Igwe Samuel Asadu Mourns Music Icon, Mike Ejeagha
…says he promoted Igbo culture through folk music, storytelling
From Chris Ugwuja, Nsukka
The Enugu State Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the Ogadagidi 1of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and many fans of Nigeria’s legend, folklorist, songwriter, and musician, Mike Ejeagha, who joined his ancestors on Friday at the age of 95 years.
The traditional ruler, in a statement issued on Sunday, noted that the late music icon used his folk and storytelling music to promote and preserve Igbo culture and tradition, which according to him has continued to inspire generations.
Igwe Asadu, who is also the immediate past Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as a Member, Board of Trustees’ Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (Nigeria Chapter), expressed his joy that Ejeagha was recognized and honoured by Enugu State government before his death.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of the Nigeria’s legend, folklorist, songwriter, and musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha”, he added.
“His mastery of folks and melodic storytelling through music was phenomenal. He used parables and proverbs to promote and preserve Igbo culture”, Igwe noted.
“Ejeagha is no more, but his legacy lives on, as his songs will continue to echo, inspire and educate the upcoming generations”, he observed.
“His music elevated Igbo culture and tradition to national and global admiration”, Igwe Asadu further said.
The Igwe commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for honouring and celebrating the music legend while he was alive and described the gesture as a good sense of belonging.
“I commend our amiable governor, Peter Mbah for celebrating the folklorist during his lifetime by reconstructing the popular Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading directly to his residence in Abakpa Nike, Enugu”, Igwe Sam Asadu noted.
“Such a gesture coming from the state government was a good sense of belonging to the music legend, and I’m very glad that it happened while he was alive”, he expressed satisfaction. He urged the younger generation to study and emulate the inspiring works, life, time and legacies of the music icon, he concluded.
Before his demise, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when a comedian and content creator Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, ‘Ka Esi nye Onye Isi Oche’, in a viral dance video.
