...says he promoted Igbo culture through folk music, storytelling
The Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Igwe Ogadagidi, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Nigeria’s legend of folklorists, songwriters, and musician, Mike Ejeagha, who joined his ancestors on Friday at 95.
The monarch, 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 the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, and the immediate past Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as a Member Board of Trustee Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (Nigeria Chapter), expressed his joy that Ejeagha was recognized and honoured by Enugu State government before his demise.
"I extended my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Nigeria’s legend of folklorists, songwriters, and musician, Gentle Man Mick Ejeagha.
"His mastery of folks and melodic storytelling through music was phenomenal. He used parables and proverbs to promote and preserve Igbo cultures.
"Ejeagha may be no more, but his legacy lives on, as his songs will continue to echo, inspire and educate the upcoming generations.
"His music elevated Igbo culture and traditions to national and global admiration," Igwe Ogadagidi said.
The monarch commended Governor Peter 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.
"Such a gesture coming from the state government was a good sense of belonging to the music legend, and I'm very happy that it happened while he was alive."
The traditional ruler urged the younger generation to study and emulate the inspiring works, life and legacies of the music icon.
Before his demise, Ejeagha’s music experienced a powerful resurgence in 2024, when comedian and content creator Brain Jotter, used his 1983 track, 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche', in a viral dance video.
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