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By Oscar Okhifo
Highlife music maestro, Mike Ejeagha has gone to join his ancestors. Aged 95, the legend hailed from Enugu State.
His death, as confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, occurred at the 82 Division Reference Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged battle with an undisclosed health challenge.
The Governor of Enugu state , Peter Mba has expressed deep grief over the death of music icon, ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha, saying the legend had created a void that would be difficult to fill.
Mbah described Ejeagha as an unassuming and easygoing personality, whose fan base was massively spread across national and international boundaries.
It’s worth recalling that the news of the passing on of the ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ crooner filtered into public space Friday evening and later confirmed by his eldest son.
The governor, had celebrated the folklorist during his lifetime by reconstructing the popular Obinagu Road and the adjoining routes and named it ‘Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent’.
The development brought joy to the then ailing old man and the people of Enugu state and beyond.
The well reconstructed road leads directly to his residence in Abakpa Nike, Enugu, a long wish of the icon, left unfulfilled by successive administrations in the state.
Gov. Mbah has said that even in death, his government will continue to accord him honour by further immortalizing maestro.
The Governor expressed his thoughts via his verified social media handles, @PNMbah:
“I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.
“Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador and a revered son of Enugu State.
“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status.
“I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company . The warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.
“This is a loss not only for his immediate family; it’s a big loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the country as well.
“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius personality lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures.
“Ejeagha’s fan-base transcended boundaries. He was easily one of the most recognizable voices in music.
“His death leaves a huge void that will be difficult to fill. But the legacies he has left behind will last a lifetime.
“On behalf of the Enugu State government, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family, and assure them of our support.
“As a government, we would ensure that his memory is duly immortalized.
“Above all, I pray that his family experiences the comforting grace of God’s love, and the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The legend got another old age popularity boost last year via skitter Brainjotter. He had resurrected the “Gwo,Gwo, Ngwo” song with unique dance steps that set the social media space on “fire” It was turned to a challenge on social media.
The iconic youth would later paid homage to the elderly legend in Enugu with proceeds realized from the “challenge” . He was celebrated by all and sundry for celebrating the elderly icon while alive instead of waiting for him to die like most people do.
As the legend returns to whence all comers came, the entertainment ecosystem will sure miss his style.
However, in the words of Shakespeare, “Our dead are never dead until they they die in us” Pointblanknews join all Nigerians to celebrate his life and time and pray for his peaceful repose.