The Nigerian political landscape has been thrown into mourning with the sudden passing of Senator Okey Ezea, the distinguished lawmaker representing the Enugu North Senatorial District. Known affectionately as “Ideke,” Senator Ezea was a titan in both the business and political spheres, a man who transitioned from a successful career in logistics to becoming a vocal advocate for his people in the 10th Senate.
Below is a detailed look at his biography, net worth, political service, and the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Quick Profile
| Feature | Detail |
| Full Name | Okechukwu Ezea |
| Date of Birth | August 11, 1963 |
| Age at Death | 62 |
| State of Origin | Enugu State |
| Political Party | Labour Party (LP) |
| District of Service | Enugu North Senatorial District |
| Status | Deceased (November 18, 2025) |
Biography and Early Life
Born on August 11, 1963, in Enugu State, Okey Ezea was a man of intellect and grit. He pursued his education with vigor, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 1986. Not content with just one field of expertise, he later earned a Law degree (LL.B) and a Master’s in Law (LL.M) from the University of Lagos.
Before entering the volatile world of politics, Ezea served his country as a distinguished officer in the Nigerian Customs Service, rising to the rank of Deputy Superintendent before retiring in 1994 to pursue private enterprise.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
While a specific figure for Senator Ezea’s net worth was never publicly disclosed, he was widely recognized as a wealthy and successful businessman long before his Senate election.
- Ideke Shipping Limited: Upon leaving the Customs Service, he founded Ideke Shipping Limited in 1994. The company became a major player in the logistics sub-sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, securing contracts with multinational giants like Shell, Chevron, and Mobil.
- Diversified Interests: His business empire expanded to include Ideke Engineering Limited and Damik Ventures, cementing his financial independence.
His nickname, “Ideke,” which became his political brand, was actually derived from his successful shipping company, symbolizing his deep roots in the business world.
Province of Service and Political Career
Senator Ezea represented the Enugu North Senatorial District (often referred to as Nsukka Zone).
His journey to the Senate was defined by resilience. A veteran politician, he had previously contested for the Governorship of Enugu State multiple times (in 2007 under the Labour Party and 2015 under the APC) but was unsuccessful.
His breakthrough came in the 2023 General Elections, where he rode the “Obidient” wave under the Labour Party (LP). In a historic upset, he defeated the sitting Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to clinch the senatorial seat.
Key Senate Roles:
- Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
- Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development.
- Advocate for the creation of Adada State and the establishment of a Federal College of Agriculture in Adani.
Cause of Death
Senator Okey Ezea passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at a private hospital in Lagos.
- The Cause: Reports confirm that he died following complications from a surgical leg amputation. The Senator had been battling diabetes, which necessitated the procedure.
- Final Moments: It is reported that he had traveled to the United Kingdom and Germany for treatment previously but returned to Lagos where the surgery was performed. Tragically, he succumbed to post-surgical complications.
Legacy
Senator Ezea is survived by his wife, Chioma, and their children. He leaves behind a legacy as a “giant killer” in politics who refused to give up on his ambition to serve his people. His colleagues in the Senate have described him as a “principled voice” who was deeply committed to the development of the Nsukka zone.
