Okey Ezea, also known as Senator Okechukwu “Ideke” Ezea, was a prominent Nigerian politician, lawyer, and businessman. Until his passing in November 2025, he served as the Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District under the Labour Party. In this in-depth biography, you’ll learn about his early life, education, business ventures, political career, family, and legacy. Readers will also get insight into his net worth, cultural background, and major achievements.
Biography Overview / Background
- Full Name: Okechukwu Ezea
- Popular Name: Okey Ezea, “Ideke”
- Born: August 11, 1963
- Died: November 18, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria
- Professions: Politician, Lawyer, Businessman
Okey Ezea was born in Enugu State into a family rooted in the Igbo-Eze region. He pursued both political science and law in his academic career, which later informed his multifaceted professional life in customs, logistics, and governance.
Age
At the time of his death, Okey Ezea was 62 years old. He was born on August 11, 1963, and died in November 2025.
Tribe / Ethnicity / Cultural Background
Okey Ezea was Igbo by ethnicity.
He hailed from Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Within the Igbo cultural context, his roots and political base were strongly connected to his local community, which shaped much of his public service and commitment to regional development.
Education & Early Career
- Primary & Secondary School
- Attended Community Primary School, Umachi, Enugu‑Ezike.
- Completed secondary education at Nsukka High School, Nsukka.
- University Education
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka – BSc in Political Science.
- University of Lagos, Akoka – LL.B (Law) and LL.M.
- Doctoral studies at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos.
- Public Service
- Joined the Nigerian Customs Service after NYSC.
- Rose to the rank of Deputy Superintendent before retiring in 1994.
Net Worth
There is no publicly confirmed figure for Okey Ezea’s net worth.
However:
- He built a successful business empire after leaving the customs service.
- Founded Ideke Shipping Limited in 1994, a major logistics player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
- Established other companies including Ideke Engineering Limited, Ideke Overseas Limited, Damik Ventures, and Damik Security.
- His wealth is considered significant, though the exact amount was never publicly disclosed.
Family Background
- Parents: Chief James Ezea and Mrs. Theresa Ezea (née Attamah).
- Spouse: Chioma (sometimes spelled Chiamaka).
- Children: Four children.
State of Origin / Location
Okey Ezea was from Enugu State, located in southeastern Nigeria.
Specifically, he came from Igbo‑Eze South LGA, part of the larger cultural and political region in Enugu.
Enugu State is historically significant in Nigeria and predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people.
Career / Rank / Achievements
Business Career
- Founded Ideke Shipping Limited after leaving the customs service in 1994.
- Served major oil and gas companies in Nigeria, including Shell, Chevron, Mobil, NLNG, and NNPC.
- Expanded into engineering, security, and other ventures with Ideke Engineering, Ideke Overseas, Damik Ventures, and Damik Security.
Political Career
- Active in student politics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
- Ran for governor of Enugu State in 2007 on the Labour Party platform.
- Co-founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu in 2013 and ran for governor in 2015.
- Appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.
- Elected Senator for Enugu North in 2023 under the Labour Party.
- Held key Senate positions:
- Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges & Public Petitions
- Vice-Chairman, Senate Committees on Housing & Urban Development, Cooperation & Integration in Africa & NEPAD, Culture & Creative Economy
Family / Personal Life
Ezea was married and had four children.
He was known as a principled and grounded family man, drawing strength from his faith.
His public persona combined business acumen with political sincerity, earning respect in his community and nationally.
Career Highlights and Achievements
- Founded and led a major logistics company serving top oil & gas multinationals.
- Built a diversified business group including engineering, security, and ventures.
- Rose from student politics to high-level national leadership.
- Contested and ran for governor of Enugu State multiple times.
- Served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman on multiple Senate committees.
- Sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Adani.
- Advocated for security and infrastructure improvements in his region.
- Maintained political integrity and loyalty to the Labour Party until his death.
Death & Legacy
Okey Ezea passed away on November 18, 2025, in Lagos after a brief illness.
His death was widely mourned in the Senate and beyond.
He is survived by his wife, Chioma, and their four children.
His legacy includes contributions to Enugu North, especially in agriculture, security, and institutional development, as well as his model of combining business success with public service.
Conclusion
Senator Okey Ezea was a visionary who built a successful business empire and used his influence to serve his people. His life story is one of perseverance: from customs service to building a logistics company, from student politics to the national stage. Though he is gone, his legacy lives on through his legislative contributions, development projects, and strong moral example. He will be remembered as a devoted family man, a principled leader, and a champion for the people of Enugu North.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who was Okey Ezea?
Okey Ezea was a Nigerian lawyer, businessman, and Senator for Enugu North. - When was Okey Ezea born?
He was born on August 11, 1963. - How did Okey Ezea die?
He died on November 18, 2025, in Lagos after a brief illness.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
