President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Mike Ejeagha, one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriter, and musician in the Igbo Language, who passed on on Friday at 95.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, President Tinubu noted that 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,” Tinubu said.
The president commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for honouring the music icon while he was still alive.
Ejeagha became a talking point in recent years when his evergreen song ‘Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ resurfaced and was trending.
In the vein, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed appreciation to popular Nigerian skit maker, Brain Jotter, following the demise of veteran highlife musician Mike Ejeagha.
Reacting to the demise, Atiku in a post via 𝕏 on Saturday wrote: “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.”
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Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, while mourning the passing of the highlife legend and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, describing his death as a devastating cultural loss and a void that would be difficult to fill.
In a statement posted via his verified social media handle, @PNMbah, the governor paid glowing tribute to the Enugu-born music icon, praising his humility and far-reaching influence.
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 recognisable 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.”
