Fresh facts have emerged on why one of Nigeria's famous highlife legend, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was buried 24 hours after his death.
He died on Friday night, June 6, 2025, at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu, following a prolonged illness. His eldest son, Mr Emmanuel Ejeagha confirmed the death.
The 'Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma' crooner was laid to rest in his country home at Umuagba, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Mr Emma Ejeagha told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that his father was buried after his death to fulfil his wish.
He noted that his late father had instructed him as the first son, that nobody should embalm him after his death.
"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, and even Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State was informed about it, and they all consented that whatever his wish was, it should be kept.
"There are a lot of consequential results if an elder said something and otherwise was done," he added.
Emma Ejeagha informed that his father's funeral ceremony would be announced soon.
Briefly
Born on April 4, 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu in Enugu State, Ejeagha started playing ogene at a young age, alongside his friends.
His father was a civil servant who worked with the Ministry of Health in Enugu.
The cultural icon attended St. Patrick's Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu. He joined a local music group in Enugu, Coal Camp Boys in 1945.
But after completing his primary education in 1948, he passion for music waxed stronger.
In 1949 at the age of 20, he became a hairdressing apprentice at Cyprain Ozochiawa's shop, who was a barber and musician.
Ejeagha was invited by Joseph Ogbu to join his band as a guitarist in 1950.
Following his performance, he was invited for audition by Atu Ona, who was the then controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service.
Given his successful performances, he was offered a radio programme titled: "Guitar Playtime. Then, he performed on radio and produced musical programmes.
Ejeagha rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1980s with timeless hits like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).
His contributions to preserving and promoting Igbo culture through music are enormous, with over 300 songs recorded in the National Archives of Nigeria.
In July 2024, his 1983 song, "Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche", gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge initiated by comedian Brain Jotter.
However, on September 2, 2024, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State renamed the Abakpa Road after Ejeagha.
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