John Okafor, widely celebrated as Mr. Ibu, died on Saturday, 2 March 2024. He was 62.
John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor dies: What’s the cause of death?
According to reports, Mr Ibu’s died from cardiac arrest, following a period of severe health challenges that led to a leg amputation in November 2023.
This drastic measure was taken in hopes of enhancing his recovery prospects after an illness that necessitated seven surgeries.
Details about the actor’s funeral and memorial service have yet to be canvassed.
John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor biography
Born on 17 October 1961 in Umunekwu, Enugu State, Nigeria, John Ikechukwu Okafor’s journey into the limelight was one of resilience and determination.
Following his father’s death, Okafor moved to Sapele to live with his brother and undertook various jobs to support his family and his education.
Despite dropping out of the Yola College of Education due to financial constraints, he later attended the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu.
Okafor’s career in Nollywood saw him appearing in over 200 films, notably the Mr. Ibu series, which earned him widespread acclaim and the affectionate moniker Mr. Ibu.
Aside from acting, Okafor dabbled in music, releasing songs in 2020.
His personal life saw him marrying twice and fathering over 10 children. Okafor’s outspoken nature often made headlines, notably his controversial comments on homosexuality in Nollywood.
Reactions to Mr Ibu’s death
The news of Mr. Ibu’s passing has elicited a wave of tributes from fans, colleagues, and industry leaders.
The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, marking it as a sad day for the guild and the entertainment community at large.
“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,” Rollas’s statement read.
Fans and fellow actors have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories of Okafor, celebrating his life and legacy in the Nigerian film industry.
Here are some of the reactions we picked: