Popular Nigerian Nollywood Actor Mr IBU Is Confirmed Dead
Popular Nigerian Nollywood Actor Mr IBU Is Dead
Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu has reportedly died at the age of 62 after prolonged battle with ailment.
Vanguard quoted multiple sources close to Mr. Ibu as saying that the veteran actor and comedian passed away at Evercare hospital.
The actor is trending on X, with many fans mourning his demise.
In October 2023, the actor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that threatened to amputate one of his legs. He said he was struck by the problem while on a movie set with other Nollywood actors and actresses.
Mr. Ibu had appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills. He also shared a video of himself lying in a hospital bed, expressing his fear of losing his leg.
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, which was established by the former senate president of Nigeria, paid off Mr. Ibu’s entire medical expenses as of 18 October 2023.
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The foundation also stated that Okafor still required a lot of financial assistance to sustain him in the hospital and for his travel abroad for further treatment.
In November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.
His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery.
The actor hails from Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State. After elementary school, in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother, after his father’s demise.
After secondary school, he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu as soon as he was financially able to.
Mr. Ibu had acted in more than 200 Nollywood movies including Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr.Ibu in London (2005), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).
Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, is dead.
He was said to have died on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
In October 2023, the veteran actor was reported ill and required financial assistance.
But in November 2023, Okafor’s family confirmed that one of his legs had been amputated to keep him alive.
The amputation became necessary because of an infection of the arteries at the ankle that was not detected early enough, his former manager Emeka Chochoo told PUNCH Online in November 2023 in an exclusive chat.
Family sources have confirmed the passing of Mr Ibu to newsmen.
Meanwhile, celebrities and colleagues of the Nollywood veteran have mourned Mr. Ibu in various social media posts.
Mercy Johnson Okojie wrote, ” It is well… Rest well sir…”
Ruth Kadiri wrote, “Sleep well Papa.”
He died of cardiac arrest after he had a relapse about a week ago and was rushed to the Lagos-based hospital. Also, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rolla, confirmed the actor’s death. Last year, the actor underwent surgery to remove one of his legs after soliciting help and prayers from fans.
