The Enugu State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of highlife legend and cultural icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, vowing to permanently honour his enduring legacy.
Ejeagha, a celebrated folklorist known for weaving Igbo oral traditions into melodic highlife rhythms, passed away on Friday, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian music and culture.
Governor Peter Mbah, in a message shared via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, paid tribute to Ejeagha’s profound influence and creative brilliance.
“Mike Ejeagha was not only a legend but a cultural ambassador and a dearly beloved son of Enugu State,” Mbah wrote. “He stood out as one of the greatest musicians of his era, admired for his humility and gentle spirit despite his fame.”
Mbah commended Ejeagha’s unique ability to bring age-old folktales to life through song, noting that his artistry transcended regional and generational boundaries.
“His genius lay in transforming everyday indigenous narratives into timeless music that resonated far and wide,” the governor added.
Describing his death as a monumental loss, Mbah said the void left by Ejeagha would be felt across Nigeria’s cultural and musical landscapes.
“His passing creates a vacuum that will be hard to fill, but the legacy he leaves behind is eternal.”
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to Ejeagha’s family and assured them of the government’s commitment to honouring the late musician’s contributions.
“We will ensure his legacy is properly immortalised. May his family find strength in this difficult time and may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Mike Ejeagha’s storied career spanned decades. He was widely respected for preserving Igbo proverbs and oral traditions through his music, earning him a revered place in the annals of Nigerian cultural heritage.
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