Renowned Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and musician, Mike Ejeagha, famously known as 'Gentleman Mike,' has passed away at the age of 95. His death occurred on Friday, attributed to prostate cancer, leaving a significant void in Nigeria's cultural and music landscape.

News of his passing prompted an outpouring of heartfelt condolences from prominent figures across the nation. President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lauded Ejeagha for using his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, thereby inspiring generations. President Tinubu remarked, '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.' He also commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for honouring the music icon during his lifetime.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the recent resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, notably through the efforts of content creator Brain Jotter, stating, '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.'

Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, expressed on his X handle that 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.'

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, described the late singer’s death as creating a void that would be too difficult to fill and assured that his government would further immortalise the legend. Governor Mbah had previously celebrated the folklorist by reconstructing the popular Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading directly to his residence in Abakpa Nike, Enugu, fulfilling a long-held wish of the icon that successive administrations had not addressed.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, also extended condolences, describing the late icon as a legend who made sterling contributions to Nigeria’s culture through music and folklore. She stated, '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.'

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, expressed sadness over the demise of the 'Ogwo gwo Ngwo' crooner, describing Ejeagha as a national treasure. Kalu noted, 'Gentle Mike, as he was fondly called, was more than an entertainer; he was a storyteller, a custodian of our heritage, and a figure whose voice carried the soul of our people. With creativity and warmth, he transformed indigenous folktales into timeless melodies that transcended generations and borders. His loss is a monumental one, not just for Ndi Igbo but the entire nation. His legacy in the Nigerian music scene and love for our culture will surely be remembered by generations to come.'

Ejeagha’s music experienced a significant resurgence in 2024, largely due to Nigerian skit maker and content creator, Brain Jotter. Brain Jotter used Ejeagha's 1983 track, 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche' (popularly known as 'Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo'), in a viral dance video and challenge. This challenge garnered massive views across social media platforms, reintroducing Ejeagha’s timeless music to a new generation. Brain Jotter, who mourned Ejeagha's passing, had visited the veteran musician in Enugu in 2024 with a N2 million cash gift after the challenge dance gained widespread attention. He shared a video of their meeting, captioning it, '39years ago, he made magic (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo song). 39years later, we danced to it again. Now, he rests, but his melody lives forever. Rest in peace, legend.'

Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mike Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and profound storytelling. His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics such as 'Omekagu,' 'Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,' and the iconic 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).'

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (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 by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA emphasised that Ejeagha should be remembered as a national philosopher and cultural intellectual, whose music elevated Nigerian and African traditions to global admiration. While acknowledging the Enugu State Government's commendable efforts, such as renaming a road after him, HURIWA noted that the federal government is yet to take any visible step to immortalise him at the national level.