John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu reportedly died on Saturday, March 2, 2024 in a hospital.
The deceased’s fans had thronged the social media to mourn the demise of Mr Ibu who had suffered health challenges leading to amputation of his leg.
His death has thrown the Nollywood into mourning coming just a day after the passing of Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, known by his stage name – Sisi Quadri.
Mr Ibu was reported to have been ill in October 2023, and needing financial assistance.
His family later had to confirm in November 2023, that one of his legs had been amputated to keep him alive.
The amputation became necessary in view of an infection of the arteries at the ankle that was not detected early.
The death of the Nollywood actor has also been confirmed to newsmen by the family while his colleagues have joined in mourning the exit of the iconic thespian.
Among them is celebrated actress Mercy Johnson Okojie ejot wrote, ” It is well… Rest well sir…” while Ruth Kadiri wrote, “Sleep well Papa.”
He had suffered health challenges that led to amputation of his leg last year
Nollywood actor, John Okafor, who is popularly known as Mr Ibu, has been reported dead.
Okafor who had been ill since October 2023 was said to have died of cardiac arrest on Saturday, March 2, in Evercare hospital in Lekki, after being moved to the intensive care unit a few days ago.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, also confirmed his death.
The 62 years old actor had suffered health challenges that led to amputation of his leg last year.
News of the death filtered in on Saturday evening, but the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, would later confirm it on his official social media handles.
“Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today, and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest, according to his manager for 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor.
“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr Rollas wrote.
The late actor battled with clotting of blood in his leg, stemming from diseased blood vessels and other strange illnesses for months, which led to the amputation of the affected leg.
On 18 October 2023, the media reported that Mr Ibu cried out on his Instagram page to solicit prayers and financial assistance from his fans.
Several people donated for the ailing actor, including the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation which paid all of Mr Ibu’s medical expenses.
But on 6 November 2023, Mr Ibu’s family announced that one of the actor’s legs was amputated after undergoing seven surgeries.
Also, on 17 December 2023, the family said the actor was unable to fly overseas for the additional therapy because doctors deemed him ‘Not Fit to Fly.’
This, the family said, nullified his treatment overseas because it was challenging due to the airlines’ refusal to fly him.
The late Mr Ibu returned home a month after his family announced his recovery at one of Nigeria’s largest and finest hospitals
On 22 January 2024, his colleague actor, Ken Erics, visited him. He shared an exciting video of both of them on his Instagram page.
In the video, Mr Ibu sat in the living room wearing a burnt orange Jalabiya (a flowing robe-like Islamic attire) and chatting with his junior colleague.
Remember that sometime ago Actor Ken Erics shares ‘excitement’ video as Mr Ibu returns home
He captioned the video: “Happy Sunday Lovelies Something to brighten your day.”
The Enugu-born actor featured in more than 200 Nollywood movies.
They include Mr Ibu (2004), Mr Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr Ibu in London (2004), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).
JOHN OKAFOR, MR IBU BIOGRAPHY
John Okafor (popularly known as Mr Ibu), was born on October 17th, 1961 in Enugu State, Nigeria. He is a Nollywood actor, script writer and comedian who is arguably one of Nigeria’s most talented comic characters.
John Okafor Early Life
An indigene of Umunekwu Village in Eziokwe, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Mr Ibu is from a family of eight, and had his primary school education at one of the schools in the village, had his secondary school education at a number of schools in delta state, and then to the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, where he studied Mass Communication.
He experienced the ravages of the Civil War (1967-1971), during which he lost his father and five other relatives. His major influence was his grandfather, who he refers to as a more “stupid” person, and from whom he inherited his crazy genes.
Ibu had a rough childhood due to his family’s poverty. Before he was an actor he worked as a firewood seller, a hair dresser and a meat butcher.
John Okafor Career
Ibu was introduced to the Nigerian movie industry in 1978, when he appeared in a commercial in a soap opera. From that time forward, the hilarious actor has been involved in scores of movies, including some with Aki and Pawpaw, both of whom he enjoys working with, because of their creativity. He came into limelight in 2004 in one of the movies he was featured titled, Mr Ibu, which actually gave him the popular nick name. He has since featured in over 200 movies including Mr.Ibu in London (2004), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).
Speaking during an interview in 2009, Mr Ibu mentioned how Jim Iyke came to him with his desire to join the industry and how he assisted him. Other successful actors and actresses have also found their way into the industry through the comedian who has been referred to as an inspiration to several other comedians.
His humorous acting is often Characterised by foolhardiness, hilarious imbecility and an utmost disconnection from reality. In 2012, Ibu went nude in front of a crowd for attention and to solicit money which led to a lot of public scrutiny. He entered an endorsement deal with merrybet in 2014 and also entered an endorsement deal with Gotv in 2014.
John Okafor Personal Life
In the a 2009 interview, Mr Ibu declared that he was single, despite also revealing that he had children. It would later be reported in the media that Mr. Ibu’s son was kidnapped by his ex-wife, who released him after the demanded ransom had been paid. The kidnapped boy< Emmanuel Okafor, eventually died of food poisoning which he allegedly blamed on his ex-wife. In 2015, Ibu married to Stella Maris Okafor with whom he has kids.
John Okafor Awards
In 2014, he won Best Movie Actor of the Year award by the Peace Ambassadors Of Nigeria. In 2015, he received the ‘best comedian’ award from the governor of Enugu State. He has also won awards for Best Comedy Drama, African Magic Viewer Choice Award and other International
