The family of late Highlife music legend Mike Ejeagha has explained why the musician was buried less than 24 hours after his passing.
Ejeagha, known for the iconic folk tune “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” died on Friday night, June 6, 2025, at the age of 95.
He was laid to rest the following day, Saturday, June 7, at his hometown of Umuagba, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the musician’s eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha, revealed that the swift burial was in strict obedience to the deceased’s final wish.
“My father made it clear before his death that he did not want to be embalmed,” Emmanuel said. “He sternly instructed me, as his first son, that once he passed on, he should be buried within 24 hours. We have honoured that wish.”
Emmanuel noted that the decision was taken after consulting with the extended family and the local community.
“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. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah was informed about it and they all consented that whatever was his wish should be kept,” he said.
“There are a lot of consequential results if an elder said something and otherwise was done,” Emmanuel added, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of honouring a patriarch’s final instructions.
The family stated that plans for a formal funeral ceremony and celebration of life would be announced in due course.
