The lawmaker representing Enugu North, Senator Okey Ezea, has died in Lagos State while receiving medical treatment.

Ezea’s death was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the lawmaker’s son, Jideofor Ezea.

He said the lawmaker died on Tuesday night after a brief illness.

“As we mourn this painful loss, we respectfully request prayers for the family during this difficult time,” he stated.

A Pan-Nigerian

In mourning Ezea, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, extolled the virtues of the late lawmaker, describing him as a pan-Nigerian politician.

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Barau said the late lawmaker, who was until his demise the Vice Chairman of both the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD, and the Senate Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, contributed immensely to the promotion of unity and progress in the country.

Describing the death as shocking, he said the late Enugu politician would be remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian project through his various contributions in and outside the Senate.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of my friend, his wife, Madam Chioma, his children, the entire people of Enugu North Senatorial District, and Enugu State in general,” Barau said in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir,

“May God grant them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Senator Okey Ezea was a patriotic Nigerian par excellence, who worked hard to enhance the standard of living of the people of Enugu North Senatorial district and beyond,” he said.

Born on August 11, 1963, Ezea, a lawyer and businessman, was elected on the Labour Party (LP) platform during the 2023 general elections.

He was the only LP member from Enugu State in the 10th National Assembly.