2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has extended his “heartfelt condolences” to the family, to the government and good people of Enugu State, after reading of the “sad news” of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.
The former Governor of Anambra State said, the passing of the ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ crooner “marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice.”
He said, Ejeagha may have passed, but, “his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth.”
Ejeagha, who passed at the age of ninety-five (95), used music for more than sixty (60) years as “art”, as well as, a tool “for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people”.
The musician’s lyrics are loaded with “proverbs and folk wisdom”, as well as, moral guide for both the young and old.
In his condolence, Obi wrote: “Rest Well, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha
“I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha. His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice – his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth.
“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.
“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old. Through his work, he immortalised the essence of life – its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience.
“Recently, one of his old tracks, Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo), took social media by storm, popularised by Brain jotter, a young content creator.”
Obi prayed, “may his legacy never fade.”
Obi further wrote: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, to the government and good people of Enugu State, his home and cultural base, and particularly to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, as he leads the state in honouring one of its finest sons.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy never fade.”
