NOLLYWOOD COMIC ICON MR. IBU PASSES AWAY AT AGE 62

 

John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was a Nollywood actor who amused Nigerians with his humorous appearance and performance. He was sixty-two when he died.

In a statement following his passing, Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, referred to Mr. Ibu as a well-known figure who, during his performing career, brought joy to families.

"His demise has left all of us in the entertainment world deeply devastated at this time.

It is very unfortunate." He will be greatly missed. The preacher went on, "May his soul rest in peace.
Many Nigerians were still in shock after the loss of another Nollywood actor, Quadri Oyebamiji, also known as Sisi Quadri, who passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024. His death was unexpected.

Actors Guild of Nigeria President Emeka Rollas confirmed Mr. Ibu's passing on his Instagram page, writing, "Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria." Mr. Don Single Nwuzor, who managed Mr. Ibu for 24 years, said that Mr. Ibu had suffered a cardiac attack that Kate Henshaw had lost her mother earlier today. I regret to inform you that Mr. Ibu was unable to make it. May peace be upon his soul.

A lot of Nigerians paid respect to the man who made a lot of people laugh at their homes in Nigeria and abroad on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

In grieving for his demise, well-known Nollywood figures have also posted pictures of him on various social media sites.
Originally named John Okafor, Mr. Ibu rose to fame in Nollywood during the 2000s as the lead actor in the 2004 movie "Mr. Ibu," which was followed in 2005 by a follow-up. Mr. Ibu was one of the legendary Nollywood comedians who gained notoriety for his sharp comments.

Despite being humorous, he had portrayed gullible friends or the diligent father of a mischievous youngster in his roles. His humorous videos provided fans with nostalgia and comic relief on TikTok while also providing content developers with material.

The Nkanu West LGA of Enugu State-born actor and comedian first made his career as a hairstylist before making his way into Nollywood. He also briefly dabbled in photography and worked for a crate manufacturing company. Following the passing of his father in 1974, he relocated to Sapele to live with his brother.
Even though he was well-known, Mr. Ibu had some health issues. He disclosed in a 2020 interview that he had been poisoned by a member of his staff who had reportedly received payment from his relatives. He claimed that the poison caused his stomach to bloat, and that he was given medicine to help.

 

Nigerians were made aware of his illness in October 2023, which would necessitate amputating his limb. Donations were received on his behalf, including from Dr. Bukola Saraki's foundation, the former Senate President, who covered his medical costs.
Mr. Ibu suffered a leg amputation by November 2023. A health status update on his Instagram profile verified that the deceased never had diabetes but rather had recurrent blood vessel clotting in his leg, and that the leg had been amputated further.
He apparently went into cardiac arrest on Saturday, March 2. His wife and kids survive him; he was sixty-two years old.