A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the passing of Nigerian highlife icon, Mike Ejeagha, describing him as a “storyteller, teacher, and guardian of Igbo oral tradition.”

Ejeagha, aged 95, died on Friday evening at around 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.

His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed the news to journalists on Saturday.

In a heartfelt tribute shared via his official social media handles, Atiku wrote, ”Gentleman Mike Ejeagha was more than a musician; he was a storyteller, a teacher, and a guardian of Igbo oral tradition.

“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Popularly called “Gentleman” for his calm demeanour and lyrical grace, Ejeagha was recently brought back into the public eye through a heartfelt visit by comedian and skit maker, Brain Jotter.

The entertainer’s engagement with the ageing legend helped rekindle public appreciation for his work.

Atiku’s tribute partly read, ”It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn,” referencing his signature sound and the emotional wave of support that followed the viral visit.

Ejeagha celebrated for his folkloric lyrics, proverbs, and didactic storytelling style, is a towering figure in Nigerian music.

His influence spanned generations, with many of his songs serving as cultural touchstones in Igbo-speaking communities and beyond.

Ejeagha’s musical career, which spanned over six decades, produced a rich catalog of songs known for their deep wisdom, philosophical tone, and traditional instrumentation.