Fresh details have emerged surrounding the death of the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chief Okey Ezea, who reportedly passed away after undergoing a leg amputation resulting from complications linked to diabetes.
Earlier reports had stated that the senator died while receiving treatment in the United Kingdom. However, family sources later clarified that he had returned to Nigeria and was being treated at a hospital in Lagos, where doctors carried out the surgical amputation of one of his legs as part of efforts to manage the worsening effects of his medical condition.
Despite medical interventions and continued treatment, the senator eventually died due to complications arising from the procedure and his underlying illness.
His death has triggered an outpouring of grief within the National Assembly, with several lawmakers describing the loss as devastating.
Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep sorrow over his passing. In a tribute shared on her Facebook page, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the late Ezea as a wise, gentle, and prayerful colleague who supported her through difficult periods.
“Rest in peace, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea. You were a good man, wise and gentle. Your prayers kept me going through my darkest moments, and I will miss you in the chambers,” she wrote.
Born on August 11, 1963, Chief Ezea hailed from Itchi in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State. He had a long career in politics and public service, co-founding the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State in 2013 and contesting the 2015 governorship election as the party’s candidate.
In 2018, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, a position he held until 2022, when he defected to the Labour Party. He subsequently won the party’s senatorial ticket and was elected Senator for Enugu North in the February 25, 2023 general election.
His passing not only marks a major loss to Enugu State and the Senate but also highlights the health challenges faced by many Nigerians living with chronic illnesses that can lead to permanent disability.
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