Following the passing of Nigerian highlife music icon Mike Ejeagha, his eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha, has revealed that the decision to bury the 95-year-old legend less than 24 hours after his death was in accordance with the singer’s final wish.
The revered folklorist, fondly known as “Gentleman”, died on Friday, June 7, 2024, after battling a prolonged illness. In an interview with Vanguard, Emmanuel explained that his late father had explicitly requested to be buried within a day of his passing a directive the family unanimously agreed to honor.
“As I mentioned earlier, my father made it clear that he wanted to be laid to rest within 24 hours of his death. The family held a meeting immediately after his passing and decided to respect that wish,” Emmanuel said.
The quiet burial took place on June 7, at the family’s ancestral home in Umuagba, Imezi-Owa, Enugu State. According to Emmanuel, even Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State was informed of the decision in advance and gave his approval, aligning with the family’s commitment to fulfilling Ejeagha’s last desire.
Funeral Ceremony Set for October 2025
While the burial was a low-key family affair, Emmanuel disclosed that a more elaborate funeral celebration is being planned for October 2025. He revealed that a joint funeral committee will be established by the family in collaboration with the Enugu State government to organize events that will reflect the cultural and artistic legacy of the late music legend.
Call for National Recognition
Emmanuel also used the moment to call on the Federal Government to honour Mike Ejeagha with a posthumous national award, lamenting that the highlife icon was never formally recognized during his lifetime despite his significant contributions to Nigerian music and cultural preservation.
“He deserved to be honoured while alive. But it’s not too late the government can still recognize him posthumously for his immense work in promoting our culture and heritage,” Emmanuel appealed.
Mike Ejeagha: A Cultural Icon
Mike Ejeagha was a towering figure in Nigeria’s music scene, with a career that spanned over six decades. He was widely admired for his distinctive storytelling style, which wove Igbo folklore, proverbs, and wisdom into the highlife genre. Songs like “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” and “Akuko N’Egwu” remain timeless classics that have influenced generations of artists and preserved oral traditions.
In 2024, Ejeagha enjoyed renewed popularity when comedian and skit maker Brain Jotter featured one of his songs in a viral dance video. The clip introduced a new generation of Nigerians to his discography, reigniting interest in his music across the country.
Legacy Beyond the Grave
Though buried quietly, Mike Ejeagha’s cultural legacy continues to echo in the hearts of Nigerians. His songs remain a testament to the power of music in preserving language, tradition, and identity. As plans for a grand farewell build momentum, many hope that the nation will give “Gentleman” the recognition he truly deserves.
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