A burial Mass was celebrated on Friday, 31 October 2025, for Gentleman Mike Nwachukwu Ejeagha (4 April 1930 — 6 June 2025) at his countryhome Umuoshula Umuagba Imezi Owa, in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Family members, friends, well-wishers, and community leaders gathered to honour the life and cultural legacy of the renowned Igbo folklorist and highlife pioneer.
The Mass was presided over by His Lordship, Most Rev. Callistus V. C. Onaga, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese.
In his homily Rev. Fr. Dr. Benjamin Achi, reflected on the late musician’s life and the values he embodied. Fr. Achi urged those present to celebrate three aspects of Mr. Ejeagha’s life: the gift of long life he enjoyed, the musical talent he shared with generations, and the Christian witness he lived.
Members of the family paid moving tributes to the late Gentleman. Mr. Emmanuel Ejeagha, the first son, spoke on behalf of the children, sharing memories of his father’s humility, dedication to music and devotion to family. Other children present included Mr. Michael Ejeagha and Mr. David Ejeagha; the late Joseph Ejeagha was remembered by the family. Daughters who attended and participated in the service included Mrs. Mary Okafor, Mrs. Franca Nneka Ejidike, Mrs. Anna Madubuoghu, Mrs. Elizabeth Nkem Ugwu and Mrs. Miriam Ebere Ogwatta; the late Mrs. Susan Ijegalu was specially commemorated. His sister, Mrs. Theresa Onyeagolu, joined grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended relations in offering personal tributes, while sons-in-law, sisters-in-law and other relatives expressed deep sorrow and appreciation for the example he left behind.
The funeral drew priests, religious, and members of the community in large numbers. Among those who came to mourn was Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State (2006–2014), and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He arrived quietly in the early morning hours to pay his last respects to his late friend, Gentleman Mike Nwachukwu Ejeagha, his face reflecting deep sorrow at the passing of a man who had touched many hearts through his life and music.
Following the Mass, Bishop Onaga performed the rites of commendation. The atmosphere at the graveside was deeply solemn as prayers were offered and the officiating bishop gave the final blessing.
Family members, clergy, and mourners stood in silence — a moment heavy with reverence and farewell for the late Gentleman Mike Nwachukwu Ejeagha, whose voice and legacy will forever echo in memory.
Gentleman Mike Nwachukwu Ejeagha was celebrated as a master storyteller whose songs preserved Igbo folklore, proverbs and moral instruction. Born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi-Ọwa, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, he built a musical career that produced well over three hundred recordings and became a living archive of Igbo cultural heritage. He died on 6 June 2025 and was buried on the 7th of June 2025, and will be remembered for his humility, devotion to St. Anthony of Padua, craftsmanship and service to Igbo culture.
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