President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Mike Ejeagha, one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language.

Ejeagha died on Friday at 95 at the Garrison Military Hospital, Enugu, after a protracted illness.

Tinubu, according to Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, in a statement, said that Ejeagha used his music and distinctive storytelling style to preserve and project Igbo culture and customs, inspiring generations.

“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal, and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu said.

The president commended the Enugu State Government, led by Gov. Peter Mbah for honouring the music icon while still alive.

Tinubu prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort to all who mourned him.

Also, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State expressed deep grief over the death of music icon, ‘Gentleman’ Mike Ejeagha, saying he had created a void that would be too difficult to fill.

Mbah described Ejeagha as an “unassuming and easygoing personality”, whose fanbase spread across international boundaries.

Taking to his verified social media handles, @PNMbah on Saturday, the governor paid a heartfelt tribute to the Enugu-born musician

He wrote, “I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador and a revered son of Enugu State.

“He was one of the finest musicians of his generation with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status.

“I will always cherish fond memories of the time spent in his company – the warmth and wisdom he radiated; the joy he found in the ordinary.”

He added that his loss was not only for his immediate family but a big loss for Enugu State, the entire music community, and the country.

Mbah said Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonated across cultures.