Senator Okey Ezea

Senator Okey Ezea, born Okechukwu Ezea on August 11, 1963, is a Nigerian politician, lawyer, and businessman, currently serving as the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. (Okechukwu Ezea)

🏛️ Early Life and Education

Okey Ezea hails from Itchi in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu State. He was born to Chief James Ezea and Mrs. Theresa Ezea (née Attamah) from Ihe, Nsukka Urban, Nsukka LGA. He attended Community Primary School, Umachi, Enugu-Ezike, and Nsukka High School for his primary and secondary education, respectively. (Senator Okey Ezea)

Ezea earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1986. He later obtained both LL.B and LL.M degrees in Law from the University of Lagos, where he was recognized as the best graduating student in his LL.M program. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos. (Senator Okey Ezea)

💼 Career and Business Ventures

After completing his National Youth Service Corps in 1987, Ezea joined the Nigerian Customs Service, where he served until his voluntary retirement in 1994 as a Deputy Superintendent. He then ventured into business, founding Ideke Shipping Limited, which became a significant player in Nigeria’s oil and gas logistics sector. He also established other companies, including Ideke Engineering Limited, Ideke Overseas Limited, Damik Ventures Limited, and Damik Security Limited. (Okechukwu Ezea, Senator Okey Ezea)

🗳️ Political Career

Ezea’s political journey began during his university days, where he held various student leadership positions. In 2007, he contested the Enugu State gubernatorial election under the Labour Party. Although the election was initially annulled by a tribunal, the decision was later overturned on appeal. He co-founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu in 2013 and was the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2015 election. In 2018, he was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Medical Center, Jalingo, Taraba State, a position he held until 2022. He rejoined the Labour Party in 2022 and was elected as Senator for Enugu North in the 2023 general elections. (Okechukwu Ezea, Senator Okey Ezea)

🏛️ Senate Activities and Legislative Focus

Since assuming office, Senator Okey Ezea has actively pursued legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural development, infrastructure, and security in Enugu North Senatorial District.​

Agricultural Development

On April 30, 2024, Senator Ezea sponsored the Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Adani, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. This institution aims to bolster agricultural education and research, leveraging Adani’s status as a significant rice-producing region to enhance food security and economic growth in the area. ​okeyezea.com

Infrastructure Advocacy

Senator Ezea has been instrumental in advocating for the rehabilitation and dualization of the Makurdi–Obollo-Afor–Opi–Ninth Mile expressway. Recognizing the road’s importance in facilitating trade and movement between the South East and other regions, he collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Works to initiate the project’s commencement. The improved roadway is expected to alleviate transportation challenges and stimulate economic activities across the connected communities. ​

Addressing Food Insecurity and Security Challenges

In addressing food insecurity, Senator Ezea has highlighted the detrimental impact of poor road infrastructure on agricultural distribution, particularly noting how the deplorable state of the Otukpo-Obollo-Afor-Opi-9th Mile Road hampers the efficient movement of farm produce. ​Vanguard

Furthermore, he has been vocal about the security challenges facing his constituency, especially in areas like Uzo-Uwani LGA. Senator Ezea has called on the government to take decisive action in safeguarding lives and property, emphasizing the need for improved security measures to protect residents from attacks and kidnappings. ​

Through these legislative efforts and advocacy, Senator Ezea demonstrates a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of his constituents, focusing on sustainable development and the well-being of the Enugu North community.

⚠️ Controversies

In March 2023, Senator Okey Ezea stirred controversy by describing the upcoming Enugu State gubernatorial election as a “do or die” affair. This statement was met with strong criticism from the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide. The Council’s National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, condemned Ezea’s remarks as inciting violence and unbecoming of a newly elected senator. He urged Ezea to retract his statement and cautioned youths against being used to cause unrest in the state .​

In April 2025, Senator Ezea publicly criticized the Enugu State Government for what he termed a “glaring dereliction of duty” in protecting residents of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. He highlighted the government’s failure to address the security challenges faced by the community, particularly attacks by herdsmen. Ezea called on the residents to defend themselves and urged the government to take immediate action to safeguard lives and property in the area .​

Local Collusion in Herdsmen Attacks and Call for Self-Defense

In April 2025, Senator Okey Ezea publicly addressed the escalating security challenges in Enugu State, particularly in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. He highlighted a concerning development where certain local individuals were allegedly collaborating with Fulani herdsmen to perpetrate kidnappings and other violent acts. According to Senator Ezea, these collaborators disguise themselves to assist in these criminal activities, exacerbating the region’s insecurity.​

Expressing deep frustration over the government’s failure to protect citizens, Senator Ezea urged residents to exercise their right to self-defense. He emphasized the necessity for communities to organize and defend themselves against such threats, given the apparent dereliction of duty by the authorities. This call to action underscores the gravity of the security situation and the perceived inadequacy of governmental response.​

The senator’s revelations and subsequent appeal for self-defense have sparked discussions on the broader implications of local complicity in regional insecurity and the responsibilities of government in safeguarding its citizens. These developments highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address both external threats and internal collaborations that undermine community safety.

🔗 External Links

• Official Website
• Wikipedia Profile
• X (formerly Twitter) Profile

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