Late Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha Laid to Rest Within 24 Hours In Line with His Final Wish
The family of the late highlife icon, Mike Ejeagha, has honoured his final wish by laying him to rest just 24 hours after his passing.
Speaking in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Enugu, his eldest son revealed that the decision was made out of deep respect for the legendary musician’s personal request.
“My father was very clear about it,” Ejeagha Jnr said. “He told me, as his first son, that when the time came, he didn’t want to be embalmed and should be buried within 24 hours. We’ve done exactly as he wished.”
The revered “Gwo gwo ngwo” crooner, who passed away peacefully on Friday night at the age of 95, was interred the following day—Saturday—at his country home in Umuagba, Imezi-Owa, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The younger Ejeagha said he immediately informed his family and kindred of his father’s final instructions, and after extensive discussions, they all agreed it was best to honour his wishes. Even the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, was notified and gave his blessing.
“In our culture, disregarding the spoken will of an elder—especially someone like my father—can have spiritual and societal consequences,” he noted.
While the burial was swift and solemn, he added that a more elaborate funeral celebration to honour the life and legacy of the highlife maestro would be announced in due course.
Mike Ejeagha, a towering figure in Nigerian highlife music, left behind a rich legacy of folklore, wisdom, and rhythm that will live on for generations.
