By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
The family of late Nigerian highlife legend, Mike Ejeagha, has explained why the iconic musician was buried just a day after his passing.
Ejeagha, who was best known for his storytelling-rich folk music and the classic “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” died at the age of 95 on the night of Friday, June 6, 2025.
By Saturday, June 7, he had already been laid to rest in his hometown, Umuagba, Imezi-Owa, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the music icon’s eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha, revealed that the swift burial was carried out in strict adherence to his father’s final wish.
“My father made it clear before his death that he did not want to be embalmed,” Emmanuel stated. “He sternly instructed me, as his first son, that once he passed on, he should be buried within 24 hours. We have honoured that wish.”
According to Emmanuel, the family made the decision after extensive consultations with relatives and community elders.
“I contacted members of my family and informed them that my father made a wish that he should be laid to rest 24 hours after his death. I also summoned a meeting of my kindred and we discussed extensively,” he said.
He also disclosed that the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, was notified of the decision and gave his consent.
“They all agreed that whatever was his wish should be kept. There are a lot of consequential results if an elder said something and otherwise was done,” Emmanuel added.
While the burial was quiet and immediate, the family assured that a formal funeral and celebration of life will be held later, allowing friends, fans, and well-wishers to honour the legacy of the late musician.
Mike Ejeagha, revered for embedding wisdom, proverbs, and Igbo cultural values in his music, left behind a rich archive that continues to inspire musicians and preserve indigenous heritage across generations.
