The Senator’s death on 18 November 2025 continues to reverberate across the state and beyond. From solemn courtrooms to packed event centres and church halls, it was a farewell of emotion, reflection and celebration of a life many describe as impactful but short.
Yesterday, Thursday, 12 February, Enugu Chief Judge Raymond Ozoemena led a special session by lawyers to honour the late Senator. Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) members attended from their Enugu, Nsukka, Oji River, Obollo Afor, Ezeagu, Udi and Nike branches.
The event, which took place at the Enugu High Court began with a procession around his casket, led by the Chief Judge. Chief Judge Ozoemena described Ezea as a brilliant lawyer committed to nation-building and prayed for the repose of his soul.
Earlier in the week, a Night of Tributes held on February 10 at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu. It drew political leaders, clergy, associates and admirers. It was similar to the Abuja event that took place on February 3 at the National Ecumenical Centre.
How he died
Friends and family used these events to tell the story of how the Senator died. According to accounts they shared, Ezea took ill in September 2025. Senator Victor Umeh, chairman of the burial committee, recounted visiting him in hospital in Abuja on September 16. From there, the late senator flew to Germany for treatment and later went to the United Kingdom. He died a few days after returning from the UK in November 2025.
Tributes pour in
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, extoling the virtues of the late Senator .
Governor Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, described him as a “rare gem” with unstoppable courage in defending the interests of Enugu North Senatorial District.
Former Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Chief Nnia Nwodo, said Ezea was a grassroots politician who kept his eyes on the poor and became popular in every ward in the Nsukka Cultural Zone.
Senator Victor Umeh described him as steadfast and driven by conviction, noting his strong advocacy for the creation of Adada State and his commitment to the Igbo cause.
Hon. Harrison Ogara of the Enugu State House of Assembly praised his resilience and truthfulness. He recalled that Ezea supported projects such as the establishment of a Naval base in Uzo-Uwani and the construction of the 9th Mile–Makurdi road.
The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Sosthenes Ezeh was friends with Ezea from their secondary school days since 1976. He described him as energetic, brilliant and joyful, adding that he broke denominational barriers in his political outreach.
Okey Ezea goes home today
The remains of Sen Ezea was buried today Friday, February 13, at his country home in Itchi, Igbo-Eze South LGA.
To honour his memory further, the Nsukka Cultural Zone will hold an extraordinary funeral ceremony for Monday, February 16, 2026. Organisers described it as a final communal salute to a senator many say died in active service after just two years and five months in the Senate. He may have lived a short life, but in law, politics and community service, he left footprints that will not fade easily, they said.
