Famously known as Mr. Ibu, Nigerian television star actor John Okafor, popularly know as “Mr Ibu”, after the blockbuster film by the same name, has passed away at the age of 62.
Okafor, who had been unwell since October 2023, was reported to have passed away on Saturday, March 2, at Evercare Hospital in Lekki due to cardiac arrest. A few days prior to his demise, he had been transferred to the intensive care unit.
The 62-year-old actor reportedly suffered from diabetes, which led to the amputation of one of his legs in 2023.
Mr Ibu, who was loved for his comic roles in movies and skits, was confirmed dead on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Lagos hospital where he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest.
His death came barely 24 hours after another actor, Quadri Oyebamiji, aka Sisi Quadri, passed away in Osun State.
Paying tributes to the late Okafor, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, wrote on his 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.”
Actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie also sent her condolence message. Responding the a post of Mr Ibu’s demise on Instagram, she wrote, “It is well…rest well, sir.”
Peter Okoye, singer and member of the pop group, P-Square, wrote, “Rest well, Mr Ibu. We will definitely miss you, brother.”
Okafor’s passing coming after he had appealed to his fans and members of the public to pray 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. During this period, his family seemed to have been in a fierce battle, as they accused one another of wanting to embezzle the money raised by members of the public.
His wife was reportedly demanding money to buy an Iphone 15 from the donations towards Okafor’s hospital bills. Not to be outdone, Mr Ibu’s step daughter had already changed the famous actor’s Tiktok account’s name and replaced it with her own.