Nigeria is thrown into a state of shock as popular Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu, passes away.
The 62-year-old comedian died of cardiac arrest at Evercare Hospital.
This was announced on Saturday by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas.
“I announce with [a] deep sense of grief that Mr. Ibu didn’t make it,” he said.
Mr. Ibu rose to fame two decades ago with his breakthrough movie, which became his career-long nickname.
The film is regarded as one of the best Nigerian performances in a comic role.
He went on to star in more than 200 Nollywood films, including Keziah, 9 Wives, and several Mr. Ibu sequels.
After his death, many of his colleagues and individuals have eulogized him on social media.
Nigeria’s Culture Minister, Hannatu Musawa, described him as a household name who had made families smile throughout his career.
The actor’s health issues first came to public attention last year after he revealed in 2019 that his kinsmen paid his domestic workers to poison him.
The incident, Mr. Ibu said, had occurred three times, and he thanked God for saving him.
However, in October 2023, his health deteriorated and he had several surgeries, which took a toll on him. One of his legs was amputated in November after fans donated to a crowd-funding scheme for his medical bills.
Since then, his son Daniel Okafor and adopted daughter Jasmine Chioma have been arrested on suspicion of hacking into his phone and taking $60,700 (£47,800) for themselves.
The pair have not commented since their arrest in January and are expected to appear in court on March 11, 2024, for the next hearing.
Earlier this year, he was said to have responded to treatment and was even discharged; however, he later succumbed to the ailment and died.
Some videos circulating showed that his wife had to prove that she was the one feeding him before he would eat the food he was being served on his sick bed.
He is survived by his 13 children and a wife.
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
