Buried in 24 hours: The mysterious final wish of Mike Ejeagha

By Alex Enebeli

The family of late highlife icon Mike Ejeagha has revealed that his burial just 24 hours after his passing was in strict adherence to his final wish.

Speaking in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ejeagha’s eldest son, Emmanuel Ejeagha Jnr, said his father had made it clear before his death that he should not be embalmed and should be laid to rest within a day.

“We honoured his wish,” he said. “As his first son, I felt obligated to carry out his instructions. He made it clear that under no circumstances should he be embalmed.”

The legendary “Gwo gwo ngwo” crooner, aged 95, died on Friday night and was interred the next day—Saturday—at his hometown, Umuagba, Imezi-Owa in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Ejeagha Jnr said he immediately informed family members, convened a meeting of the kindred, and notified Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. Everyone agreed the musician’s wish should be respected.

“When an elder gives specific instructions, it’s dangerous to disregard them,” he said.

He added that the formal funeral rites and celebration of life will be announced soon.