Chief Okey Ezeibe, a renowned Nigerian businessman and politician, was found dead in his hotel room in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Sunday, September 20, 2026. He was 66 years old. Ezeibe was the founder of Legacy Motors and a prominent figure in Nigerian business circles. According to reports, Ezeibe had traveled to Owerri to attend a meeting with Chief Martins Agbaso, the NDC governorship candidate.
Ezeibe's death was announced by Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections, on social media. Obi described Ezeibe as a very dear elder brother and friend, and expressed his profound grief over the loss. Ezeibe had publicly thrown his support behind Obi's presidential bid ahead of the 2027 election.
According to reports, Ezeibe was scheduled to meet Agbaso over dinner on September 19, 2026, but the NDC candidate had traveled to Delta State for another engagement. The two men had agreed to meet for breakfast on September 20, 2026. When Ezeibe failed to leave for Agbaso's residence, his associates became concerned and forced open his hotel room door, where they found him dead.
The exact cause of Ezeibe's death has not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest that he may have suffered a heart attack. Ezeibe was a close friend of Atiku Abubakar, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Candidate and former Nigerian Vice President. He was also a patron of the Balogun Market Trade Fair and a former President and Board of Trustees member of the Balogun Business Association (BBA) in Lagos.
Ezeibe's passing has been met with widespread mourning across social media, with many sharing their personal connections to him. Nigerians have been paying tribute to Ezeibe, describing him as a towering figure in Nigerian business circles and a philanthropist. The Balogun Market Trade Fair was closed in honor of Ezeibe, who was a patron and icon in the trade fair.
Peter Obi paid tribute to Ezeibe, praising his warmth and character. Obi wrote that he would deeply miss Ezeibe's friendship, counsel, courage, and the warmth with which he related to everyone around him. Obi closed his tribute with a prayer for Ezeibe's family and invoked the late businessman's vision for the country.
Ezeibe's legacy extends beyond politics and business, with many remembering him for his philanthropic efforts and contributions to the Nigerian economy. The news of his death has sent shockwaves across the country, with many calling for more support for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Key points
- Chief Okey Ezeibe was found dead in a hotel room in Owerri, Imo State, on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
- Ezeibe was a prominent figure in Nigerian business circles and a patron of the Balogun Market Trade Fair.
- The cause of Ezeibe's death has not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest that he may have suffered a heart attack.
