Highlife music has lost a significant figure. Chief Mike Ejeagha, the celebrated Nigerian musician known for his hit “Gwo Gwo Gwo,” was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown of Umuagba, Imezi-Owa, Enugu State. This occurred less than 24 hours after his passing at the age of 95 due to a prolonged illness.

Ejeagha’s rapid burial was in accordance with his express wishes, as revealed by his eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha. In a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria, Emmanuel explained that his father had requested a swift interment without embalmment. This wish was honored by his family, kindred, and with the consent of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. While the burial has been concluded, funeral ceremonies will be held at a later date.

Governor Mbah mourned Ejeagha as a uniquely gifted artist whose musical storytelling and cultural impact transcended generations. His passing marks a profound loss for his family, Enugu State, the music industry, and the nation.

The Nigerian highlife music scene mourns the loss of Chief Mike Ejeagha, who passed away on Friday evening at the age of 95. Confirmed by his eldest son, Emma, the legendary musician died at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.

Born on April 4, 1930, in Enugu State, Ejeagha, popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” achieved prominence between the 1960s and 1980s. His distinctive style of Igbo folk music produced enduring hits such as Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).

Ejeagha’s contribution to Igbo culture is immense, with over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria. A recent viral dance challenge in 2024, featuring his 1983 track “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche,” introduced his work to a new generation.

His passing marks the end of an era, but Mike Ejeagha’s legacy remains firmly etched in Nigerian highlife music.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth wing has voiced strong condemnation regarding the reported summoning of Mr. Chijioke Ezugwu, the Uzo-Uwani local government chairman, by the Enugu State police command. This follows recent violence in Uzo-Uwani, where suspected herdsmen have allegedly killed numerous residents, prompting local security efforts.

According to reports, Mr. Ezugwu was questioned regarding alleged killings of herdsmen. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, has called the summon unacceptable, lamenting the perceived lack of police action against the alleged perpetrators of the Uzo-Uwani attacks while criticizing the swiftness in summoning the council chairman.

Mr. Okwu stated that the situation in Uzo-Uwani is underreported and severe, marked by frequent abductions and attacks. He criticized the police for allegedly failing to apprehend those responsible for violence, including the murder of an elderly couple. He further asserted that the police’s actions may be perceived as emboldening criminals. The group has urged the Enugu State Police Command to address these allegations. They warn that continued “harassment” of the council chairman could result in widespread protests by Igbo youths.