The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in last year’s election, Peter Obi, has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu.
In a condolence message posted on his X, formerly Twitter, handle on Sunday, Obi described Mr Ibu’s death as a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation.
According to Obi: “His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy, and spread happiness.
“When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.
“His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. “Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.
“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days, and the entire Nollywood family.”
Paying tributes to the late Okafor, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, wrote on Instagram: “Sad day for the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today, and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest, according to his manager of 24 years, Don Nwuzor.
“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu did not make it. May his soul rest in peace.”
On her part, an actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, wrote, “It is well…rest well, sir.”
Peter, a singer and member of the pop group, P-Square, wrote, “Rest well, Mr Ibu. We will definitely miss you, brother.”
Mr Ibu had battled ill health that eventually led to the amputation of his legs. This was after he had appealed to his fans and members of the public to prayer for him and render financial assistance to cover his medical bills.
However, as the actor lay on his hospital bed, members of his family were in a fierce battle as they accused one another of wanting to embezzle the money raised by members of the public.
At a point, his second wife alleged that the actor was involved in an affair with his adopted daughter, Chioma (Jasmine), though both parties denied the allegations.
Indeed, in his last years, Mr Ibu had lived a tumultuous life. On different occasions, the late actor claimed three poison attempts were made on his life which he survived all.
Generally, Albert Nat Hyde @BongoIdeas, chronicled the travails of Mr Ibu thus:
- first wife divorced him & took away his savings
- Second wife accused him of sleeping with daughter
- Consequently, he suffered diabetes
- Had blood clotting and dead blood vessels in leg
- His daughter squandered monies meant for his surgery
- His wife still asked for iPhone 15 while he was dying
- He sold almost all his properties
- His leg was eventually amputated
- Finally, he died abandoned, with no wife, no properties, no money and no legs.
Okafor was born on October 17, 1961. He was a Nigerian actor and comedian. He hails from Enugu State.
The comic actor came to the limelight in 2004 with the movie “Mr Ibu.” featuring another popular actor, Osita Iheme.
Okafor acted in more than 200 Nollywood films including Mr. Ibu, Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London, Police Recruit and many others.
On October 15, 2020, the veteran ventured into music and released two singles titled “This Girl” and “Do You Know.”
In 2012, Mr Ibu called for an end to homosexuality in Nollywood, he described it as akin to a virus.
He graduated from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu State.
Okafor died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62.