Ejeagha died on Friday at the age of 95.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his deep condolences to Ejeagha’s family, fans, and the entire nation, hailing the late artist as “one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.”

“Mike 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,” the President noted.

The President also commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for recognising the musician’s contributions while he was still alive. He prayed for the repose of Ejeagha’s soul and comfort for those mourning his loss.

Mike Ejeagha’s Classic ‘Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ Sparks Viral Dance Challenge

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also joined the longlist of dignitaries who paid tribute to the singer, highlighting the resurgence of one of Ejeagha’s classic songs, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, which recently went viral on social media.

“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 X.

On his part, Labour Party’s Peter Obi lauded the late musician’s six-decade legacy in a heartfelt message.

“His 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,” Obi posted.

“Pa Ejeagha used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people. His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old,” he added.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State described the late icon as “a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State.”

“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status,” Mbah said.

“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime.”

Governor Mbah had honoured Ejeagha during his lifetime by reconstructing the road leading to his residence in Abakpa Nike, renaming it Chief Mike Ejeagha Road—an unfulfilled wish from past administrations.

Comedian Brain Jotter, who revived the classic song, paid tribute on Instagram, sharing a video of the late musician with the caption that read, “39 years ago, he made magic. 39 years later, we danced to it again. Now, he rests — but his melody lives forever. Rest in peace, legend.”

Until his death, Ejeagha’s name resonated with a younger audience earlier in 2024 when his 1983 song Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche unexpectedly became the soundtrack for a viral dance challenge.

The track, part of his Akuko Na Egwu Vol. 1 album, narrates a humorous Igbo folktale involving a cunning tortoise tricking an elephant into attending a marriage ceremony under false pretences.

Forty-one years after its release, the song was rediscovered by comedian Chukwuebuka Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter, who used it in a skit.

The dance accompanying the skit, dubbed the “Gwo gwo gwo ngwo” challenge, mimics the elephant’s thunderous footsteps as he chases the tortoise.

In the viral video trend, two dancers face off, perform a playful leg shuffle, and then one suddenly takes off as the other gives chase.

The challenge quickly went viral on TikTok and Instagram, amassing over 28 million views in just a week. Celebrities, students, priests, and even the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, participated in the trend.

Brain Jotter had sought the icon’s whereabouts to offer a N2 million gift in appreciation.

Born in the early 1930s in Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha was more than just a musician—his songs, often accompanied by an acoustic guitar and rich in Igbo proverbs, shared lessons on morality, discipline, humour, and the everyday struggles of life.