Rev. Father Benjamin Achi Shares Emotional Experience of Officiating Highlife Legend Mike Ejeagha’s Burial
Father Benjamin Achi says officiating Mike Ejeagha’s quiet funeral was one of the most emotional moments of his priesthood.
The late Highlife legend was buried less than 24 hours after his death, just as he had wished.
SEE ALSO: Why Mike Ejeagha Was Buried Within 24 Hours
Reverend Father Benjamin Achi, a Catholic priest of 18 years and respected communicator, has shared his deeply emotional experience officiating the funeral mass for the late Highlife icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. The burial, which took place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, was carried out less than 24 hours after the music legend’s passing just as he had requested.
Father Achi, a devoted fan and close confidant of Pa Ejeagha, not only officiated the solemn requiem mass but also served as one of the few people entrusted with fulfilling the late musician’s final wishes. Recognized for his previous role as Director of Communication for the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, he now serves as the Director of Communications at Godfrey Okoye University, where he also holds the position of Station Manager of GOUNI Radio, Father Achi is widely recognized as a passionate communicator and priest.
Describing the ceremony, he said:
“The ceremony was indeed quite solemn. It came less than 24 hours after his passing, so not many people knew about the immediate interment except his immediate and a few extended family members. It played out exactly the way he wanted it quiet, without fanfare, just as he lived his life.”
Father Achi spoke with visible emotion, explaining that officiating the mass was one of the most personal and moving experiences of his priesthood.
“I had goosebumps while performing the liturgy. I was deeply reflective, not only about how peacefully he lived his life but also about how he chose to leave it, quietly and with dignity.”
He extended gratitude to Father Philip Igboamalu, the Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish, Imezi Owa, for joining in the private ceremony.
“We began the mass at 5 p.m. and laid him to rest by 6:30 p.m. I’m grateful to God for the life and talent he gave Pa Ejeagha, but I also mourn the loss of a man who loved me like a son.”
Father Achi shared that his relationship with Ejeagha went far beyond priest-parishioner ties.
“I visited him several times a week without prior notice to give him Holy Communion and attend to other Catholic obligations. He welcomed me always. When he was hospitalized again, I was called. I went to the hospital, prayed with him, and administered the sacraments. Although the situation was critical, we remained hopeful.”
He concluded with heartfelt sadness:
“I received the call announcing his passing around 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025. I wouldn’t say I was shocked, but I had prayed and hoped for the best.”
Pa Mike Ejeagha’s burial was as gentle and profound as the music and life he was known for a final chapter fitting for a man who lived simply and left an unforgettable legacy in Nigeria’s highlife music history.
