Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has paid tribute to the late highlife icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, following the announcement of his passing on Friday.
The governor, expressing grief, described the legendary musician as a national treasure and pledged that the state would take concrete steps to honour his legacy.
In a heartfelt post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Governor Mbah reflected on Ejeagha’s immense contributions to Nigerian culture, particularly through his transformation of traditional Igbo folktales into widely resonant musical compositions.
“Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State,” Mbah wrote.
“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation, with an easygoing personality and a humility that belied his towering celebrity status. His fan-base transcended boundaries, and he was easily one of the most recognisable voices in music.”
The governor continued by highlighting the unique genius of Ejeagha, who he said had the rare ability to preserve culture through accessible and memorable music.
“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he noted.
Describing the late musician’s death as a monumental loss, Mbah said the void left by Ejeagha would be deeply felt, not just in Enugu State, but throughout the country’s music and cultural landscape.
“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime,” he stated.
On behalf of the state government, the governor extended his sympathies to the Ejeagha family, assuring them that they would not face the grief alone.
“Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss. Rest in peace, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
Governor Mbah further promised that the Enugu State Government would ensure the iconic musician is “duly immortalised,” although no specific details of how that will be done were immediately provided.
Mike Ejeagha, who carved a niche for himself with his blend of folklore, proverbs, and melody, enjoyed a distinguished career that spanned decades.
His legacy as a custodian of Igbo oral tradition continues to resonate, making him one of the most beloved figures in Nigeria’s cultural history.
