The family of Nigerian highlife icon Mike Ejeagha has explained why the revered musician was buried just a day after his passing.
Ejeagha, celebrated for his folk classic “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, died on the night of Friday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 95.
He was quietly interred the next day, Saturday, June 7, in his hometown of Umuagba, Imezi-Owa, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, his eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha, said the swift burial was in line with the late singer’s explicit instructions.
“My father made it clear before his death that he did not want to be embalmed. 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,” Emmanuel stated.
He added that the decision was taken after consultations with extended family members, kindred, and community leaders.
“I contacted members of my family and informed them of my father’s wish. We held a meeting with my kindred, and everyone agreed to honour it. Even the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, was informed and gave his consent,” he said.
“There are a lot of consequential results if an elder said something and otherwise was done,” Emmanuel added, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of fulfilling his father’s request.
The family also disclosed plans to host a formal funeral ceremony and celebration of life at a later date, giving fans, friends, and admirers an opportunity to pay their respects to the highlife legend.
Mike Ejeagha, renowned for his philosophical storytelling and mastery of proverbs in Igbo music, leaves behind a musical legacy that has enriched Nigerian culture and inspired generations.
