By: Mandy Park
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha. Mbah described Ejeagha as a humble and affable personality with an international fan base.
The governor had previously honored Ejeagha by renaming a road after him and reconstructing the road leading to his residence.
Reacting to the sad development, the governor, who 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, and by renaming Obinagu Road as Chief Mike Ejeagha Road in his honour, assured that his government would further immortalise the legend in death.
Meanwhile, the family of the legendary highlife musician said he passed away on Friday night after a prolonged 16-year battle with prostate cancer.
His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, disclosed this on Saturday.
The highlife icon died at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, at the age of 95.
According to Emma, his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2006 and had been hospitalized multiple times over the years. His health took a turn for the worse two weeks ago, prompting another hospitalization. Although he was initially stabilized and discharged, he was rushed back to the hospital last Tuesday. Sadly, he did not survive.
Emma, who was present during his father’s final moments, described him as a peace-loving man and a genius.
“Papa died at exactly 8 p.m. on Friday, and his body has been deposited in the morgue. I was with him during his final moments. I will meet with my family in the morning to break the news to them,” Emma said.
Before his death, Ejeagha had instructed his son not to embalm his body or keep it in the morgue for too long.
A renowned folklorist, songwriter, and musician, Mike Ejeagha was a towering figure in Nigerian music, especially during the 1980s. His unique brand of Igbo folk music resonated across generations.
In 2024, his 1983 classic song, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche, gained renewed attention after it was featured in a viral dance skit by comedian Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter. The skit sparked a global dance challenge, reigniting interest in Ejeagha’s music.
The resurgence not only rekindled public appreciation for the folk legend but also led to a revival of his career. Many fans and admirers visited him at his Enugu residence to pay homage. During this period, Ejeagha began receiving long-overdue royalties, and a road in Enugu was renamed in his honour as a tribute to his enduring legacy.
Mike Ejeagha will be remembered as a foundational figure in the evolution of Igbo highlife music for over six decades. His legacy lives on, with his son committed to preserving his rich musical heritage.
Taking to his verified social media handles, @PNMbah, on Saturday, Governor Mbah paid a heartfelt tribute to the Enugu-born musician.
He wrote: “I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
“Mike Ejeagha was 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.
“I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company – the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.
“This is a loss not only for his immediate family; it’s a big loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the country as well.
“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.
“Ejeagha’s fan-base transcended boundaries. He was easily one of the most recognizable voices in music.
“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime.
“On behalf of the Enugu State government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family, and assure them of our support.
“As a government, we would ensure that his memory is duly immortalized.
“Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss.”
