Mike Ejeagha Laid to Rest Barely 24 Hours After Death – In Line With His Last Wish
By Samuel Isaiah, Lagos
Mike Ejeagha Laid to Rest Barely 24 Hours After Death – In Line With His Last Wish.
Nigeria Bids Farewell to Highlife Icon Mike Ejeagha
Barely 24 hours after his passing, legendary Nigerian highlife musician Mike Ejeagha was laid to rest in his hometown, Umuagba, Imezi-Owa, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The swift burial, which took place on Saturday, June 8, 2025, fulfilled the personal and cultural wishes of the 95-year-old music legend.
Mike Ejeagha, fondly known as “Gentleman”, died on Friday, June 7, after a prolonged illness. His death marked the end of an era in Nigerian music history, as he was widely revered for preserving Igbo folklore and oral traditions through his timeless compositions.
“Bury Me Within 24 Hours” — Son Reveals Ejeagha’s Last Wish
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mike Ejeagha’s eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha, disclosed that his father made clear instructions before his passing.
“He told me as his first son that he should not be embalmed and that he should be laid to rest within 24 hours of his death,” Emmanuel said.
He added that a family meeting was convened to honor the wish, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was also informed. The governor and other community members reportedly agreed that the late musician’s request should be respected.
“Even Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was informed about it, and they all agreed that whatever was his wish should be kept,” he stated.
While the burial was completed swiftly, the funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place at a later date, allowing fans and well-wishers an opportunity to formally celebrate the icon’s legacy.
A Legacy of Lyrics, Language, and Legacy
Mike Ejeagha was not just a musician; he was a cultural custodian. For over six decades, he used highlife music as a medium to educate, entertain, and preserve Igbo proverbs, folktales, and values. Songs like “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” remain classics that transcend generations.
His unique storytelling ability and commitment to linguistic preservation earned him the reputation of being Nigeria’s musical folklorist. He inspired several generations of musicians and contributed to the curriculum of African musicology.
A Viral Revival: The 2024 Brain Jotter Effect
In 2024, Mike Ejeagha witnessed an unexpected resurgence in popularity, thanks to a viral video by Nigerian skit maker Brain Jotter. The video featured one of Ejeagha’s songs in a vibrant dance challenge that caught the attention of millions on social media.
This online sensation led many young Nigerians to rediscover his music, bringing renewed appreciation to his body of work and sparking a cultural revival.
Gospel Twist Deepens the Revival of Ejeagha’s Classic
In the wake of Brain Jotter’s viral 2024 skit that reignited global interest in Mike Ejeagha’s classic hit “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” gospel artist Samuel Isaiah, also known as the SHAWA SHAWA Master, contributed significantly to the song’s spiritual and cultural revival. Moved by the renewed attention the song was receiving, Samuel Isaiah created a gospel rendition titled “Nnam Eze“– Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo GOSPEL”, blending the original highlife rhythm with uplifting Christian themes. His version preserved the melodic essence of Ejeagha’s storytelling while infusing it with praise and worship elements that resonated with a new audience across faith and generational lines.
The gospel adaptation not only honored the musical legacy of Mike Ejeagha but also introduced the highlife classic to church settings and gospel music fans who might never have encountered the original. Together, Brain Jotter’s comedic skit and Samuel Isaiah’s gospel version formed a cultural bridge, one that connected traditional folklore with modern digital audiences and the spiritual community, further cementing Ejeagha’s place as a timeless icon in Nigerian music history.
Enugu State Honours the Legend
Earlier this year, in a symbolic gesture to immortalize his contributions, the Enugu State Government rebuilt and renamed Obinagu Road in Abakpa Nike after Mike Ejeagha. The newly named Mike Ejeagha Road stands as a lasting tribute to a man whose music paved cultural paths across Nigeria and beyond.
Final Notes
As the world mourns the passing of Mike Ejeagha, the quick burial in accordance with his wishes reflects not only his humility but his deep connection to Igbo customs and spirituality. He may be gone, but his melodies and messages will continue to echo across generations.
For more updates on Nigeria’s cultural heritage and iconic figures, visit www.kpomkwem.com — News Exactly As It Is.
