Dignitaries from across Enugu State and beyond on Tuesday night paid glowing tributes to the late Senator Okey Ezea, describing him as a principled leader, deep intellectual and tireless advocate for his people, at a Night of Tributes held in his honour in Enugu.
Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, passed away on November 18, 2025.
His burial is scheduled for Friday, February 13, in his hometown of Itchi, Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Chairman of the occasion and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, said the late senator lived a life defined by fidelity to conscience, tenacity of purpose and intellectual depth.
According to Nwodo, Ezea remained humble and closely connected to the grassroots, particularly the downtrodden in Nsukka land, adding that he ventured into politics not for personal gain but to make a difference.
“He did not impose himself on the people. He understood that politics was deeply flawed, yet he chose to engage in it to serve. He was kind, humble and tireless in his commitment. He is a shining light for all of us,” Nwodo said.
He urged the children of the late senator to uphold their father’s legacy of doggedness, integrity and service to humanity.
Chairman of the Local Planning Committee, Prof. Augustine Akubue, described Ezea as a dependable ally and a relentless fighter who devoted his life to the service of his people.
“We have lost a great fighter. He spent his entire life for his people,” Akubue said.
Senator Victor Umeh, who serves as Chairman of the National Burial Committee, described Ezea as a “fallen hero” whose forthrightness and personal conviction defined his public life.
Umeh recalled that their relationship grew stronger in the Labour Party and in the 10th Senate, where they worked closely on issues affecting the South-East, particularly the agitation against the marginalisation of the Igbo.
“Okey was driven by personal conviction. Once he took a position after deep reflection, he stood by it. He was passionate about justice for the Igbo people and championed the cause of Adada State with uncommon belief. The state was already created in his mind,” Umeh said.
He added that Ezea would be difficult to replace, especially in Nsukka land, noting that the late senator was always ready to defend the cause of his people.
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, also recalled Ezea’s unwavering commitment to the agitation for the creation of Adada State and his efforts to mobilise support for the cause.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai; Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu; Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr Ben Nwoye; Prof. Osita Ogbu; former Minister of State, Fidelia Njeze; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Simon Ortuanya; Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu; Senator Chuka Utazi; Chief Matthias Omeh, and other prominent personalities.
