By Frank Ulom
Nigerians have taken to social media to mourn the passing away of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu.
The actor who had been battling with sickness died at Evercare Hospital, Lekki, Lagos.
According to Channels TV, Mr Ibu died of cardiac arrest after he had a relapse about a week ago when he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Evercare Hospital, a few days ago.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, has confirmed Mr Ibu’s death. “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,” Rollas said.
CONVERSEER reports that Mr Ibu underwent surgery to remove one of his legs last year.
READ ALSO | Ayade still has a lot to offer to Cross River – Gov Otu
Following the reports of Mr Ibu’s death, Nigerians took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday evening to mourn the 62-year-old actor who is also a comedian.
Abazz – Rest in peace Africa’s funniest Actor, Mr Ibu. Thank you for making our childhood fun.
Rest in peace Africa's funniest Actor, Mr Ibu. 🕊️
Thank you for making our childhood fun❤️ pic.twitter.com/75l1m7wquT
— 𝔸b𝕒𝕫𝕫 (@abazwhyllzz) March 2, 2024
Sperratto – Mr Ibu fans won’t skip this post. Rest in peace Nollywood Comic Actor John Okafor
MissYem K – “It hurts to hear of your Passing, Mr Ibu. All we have now is the good memories you put together for us in your movies. Thank you for making our childhood incredible. Generations will hear about what an absolute legend you are, I swear. Rest on Sir!
It hurts to hear of your Passing,Mr Ibu.
All we have now is the good memories you put together for us in your movies.Thank you for making our childhood incredible.
Generations will hear about what an absolute legend you are,I swear
Rest on Sir!🥺pic.twitter.com/8sG2e9XZQV
— MissYem K (@YemisiKolaa) March 2, 2024
Ruth – Rest in peace, Mr Ibu. A huge loss.
https://twitter.com/rutie_xx/status/1764016688628924835?t=pbL8I9MCu0JiBmUHoqSsbA&s=19
Pharaoh – RIP Mr Ibu. You made our childhood fun! You’ll forever be fondly remembered. Rest easy legend.
RIP Mr Ibu. You made our childhood fun! You’ll forever be fondly remembered. Rest easy legend.💔😞 pic.twitter.com/8wOZuwyxNI
— Pharaoh👳🏾♂️👑 (@MrMekzy_) March 2, 2024
Arsenal Techy – Nothing way Mr Ibu never act. He will be forever missed.
Nothing way Mr Ibu never act😂😂😂
He will be forever missed ❤️😭 pic.twitter.com/C8hc6389Bz— 𝔸𝕣𝕤𝕖𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕋𝕖𝕔𝕙𝕪👩💻 (@immatechy) March 2, 2024
Benkingsley Nwashara – Mr Ibu is finally resting. You fought well legend! Rest in peace Mr Legend.
Biography of John Okafor aka Mr Ibu
John Ikechukwu Okafor, (born 17 October 1961) popularly known as Mr Ibu, is a Nigerian actor and comedian.
Okafor is considered to be one of Nigeria’s most talented and highly paid-comic characters. His humorous acting is often characterised by stupidity, hilarious character, and a sharp disconnection from reality.
He 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. In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family.
He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produces crates. 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.
He has acted in more than 200 Nollywood movies including 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 many other.
One of his major hits that got him the name Mr Ibu was “Mr Ibu and His Son” in which he played the role of a father to Osita Iheme aka Paw Paw which got everyone laughing till date.
