President Bola Tinubu; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa; and Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have extended heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language, Mike Ejeagha, who passed on to eternity on Friday at 95.

The president, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that Ejeagha used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal, and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” President Tinubu said.

The president commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for honouring the music icon while still alive.

In his message, Atiku reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, through the efforts of Brain Jotter.

“It is heartwarming to note that, thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.

“Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” Atiku wrote.

On his part, Obi on his X handle, said Ejeagha’s “transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth.”

Similarly, Governor Mbah said the late singer’s death created a void that would be too difficult to fill.

The governor assured that his government would further immortalise the legend in death.

Mbah had celebrated the folklorist during his lifetime by reconstructing the popular Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading directly to his residence in Abakpa Nike, Enugu, a long wish of the icon left unfulfilled by successive administrations in the state.

On her part, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Musawa, also extended condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Ejeagha, praying for the repose of his soul.

She described the late icon as a legend who made sterling contributions to Nigeria’s culture through music and folklore.

“The nation has lost a treasure trove of cultural heritage and musical genius. Mike Ejeagha’s contributions to Nigerian music are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Mike Ejeagha’s impact on Igbo culture and music is undeniable. His extensive discography, comprising over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria, is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage.”

Meanwhile, HURIWA has called on both the federal and Enugu State governments to immortalise Ejeagha’s legacy and institutionalise his vast body of work.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association emphasised that Ejeagha should be remembered as a national philosopher and cultural intellectual, whose music elevated Nigerian and African traditions to global admiration.

HURIWA noted that while the Enugu State Government had made commendable efforts to honour the music legend—such as renaming a road after him in 2024—the federal government is yet to take any visible step to immortalise him at the national level.

Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.

His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).

Before his passing, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, in a viral dance video.

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha and Olawale Ajimotokan

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