Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Senator Okey Ezea, describing his death as “a national loss” and a painful blow to the people of Nsukka and Nigeria at large.
“This was, without a doubt, the most agonising news I received upon my return from a short trip,” Asadu said. “At first, I doubted it—especially because not long before my trip, we had met at a function in Udi LGA. My hesitation also stemmed from the recent, unnecessary, and callous spread of false news about the death of highly placed individuals; too often, such reports turn out to be untrue.”
He added that concern quickly replaced disbelief. “In prayerful hope that it was all a hoax, I reached out to some of our leaders and friends, only to have my worst fears painfully confirmed.”
Asadu lamented the increasing deaths of prominent Nigerians. “I am increasingly worried that many of our great men are dying early in their prime, just as the less privileged also succumb to the harsh realities of life. May the spirit of death hovering over Nigeria for some time now depart from us in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“Today, we mourn our dear brother, Distinguished Senator Okey Ezea, but not as unbelievers. We are comforted by the knowledge that he fulfilled his purpose.”
Describing the late senator as “Nsukka to the core,” Asadu said Okey Ezea was “an authentic leader, a true warrior, and a fearless voice for the marginalized and oppressed within the political spectrum. He fought countless battles for Nsukka land, often using his hard-earned resources and boundless personal energy.”
“He has indeed run a good race for our people and for humanity,” he added. “We pray that history will remember Ideke for all his selfless and courageous efforts.”
Asadu noted the painful timing of Ezea’s death. “Just when it seemed he had begun to reap the fruits of his decades-long political struggles and enormous investments as our Senator, God called him home to rest. But beyond the span of time one spends on earth are the legacies one leaves behind and Okey Ezea left us with legacies of courage, truth, and unconditional devotion to justice.”
He said Nsukka has lost “one of the most vocal field marshals of our liberation,” but added that “his Creator has only invited him home to rest. We dare not question God, for He alone gives and takes life at His appointed time. Yet make no mistake, this passing is a colossal loss in the prime of life of one of our finest leaders.”
According to Asadu, Nsukka Zone, Enugu State, and Nigeria have lost:
- A great Iroko
- A fearless warrior
- A brutally frank man of affluence
- A political Nzeogwu who spoke truth to power
- A leader who never shied away from challenging forces bigger than himself
“Even when he lost a battle, he would rise swiftly and continue pressing forward to correct the imbalance. Political correctness never swayed him, so long as the cause contributed to the transformation of Nsukka land,” he added.
“You have fulfilled your part here on earth, Great Ideke. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with your family. Goodnight, Ideke. Adieu, the great Nzeogwu. Sleep well, Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic. Until we meet again on resurrection morning, our fearless leader.”
