On Saturday, March 2, 2024, news broke that ‘Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu is dead’.
His death, like a sword in the hands of a mighty warlord, pierced through the heart of the Nigerian film industry.
Most saddened are Nigerians, who for decades, Mr Ibu has brought smiles to their faces through the screen.
Of a truth, the news of his demise swept through in cold silence, sending cold shivers down their spine.
Flashes of his memory must have run Through their minds, as they recall those old days when they gathered in large numbers as kids to watch the legend display his talent.
News of his death spread very fast like wildfire and in no time, #RIPMrIbu and #RIPLegend topped the trends charts.
Indeed, the funnyman must have been loved by many.
Amputation
Mr Ibu was a Nigerian Nollywood actor and a comedian from Enugu State.
In October 2023, the veteran actor was reported ill and required financial assistance.
In November 2023, Okafor’s family confirmed that one of his legs had been amputated to keep him alive.
The amputation became necessary because of an infection of the arteries at the ankle that was not detected early enough.
Months later, Mr Ibu passed away. Many had earlier heard he was recovering.
Mr Ibu
Many people, including those mourning his death only know him through the screen.
Well, we totally understand. We do not expect you to leave the many troubles you may be facing to study another man’s life.
But if you ever need to, maybe out of curiosity, or any other reason, then this article is all you need.
In it, you will get to explore the life of this Nollywood legend that is being mourned.
Here are eight things to know about Mr Ibu:
1. John Ikechukwu Okafor was born on October 17, 1961.
2. He was a Nigerian actor and comedian.
3. The comic actor came to the limelight in 2004 with the movie “Mr Ibu”, featuring another popular actor, Osita Iheme.
4. Okafor acted in more than 200 Nollywood films including Mr. Ibu, Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London, Police Recruit and many others.
Did You Miss? Veteran Nollywood Actor Mr Ibu Has Died
5. On October 15, 2020, the veteran ventured into music and released two singles entitled “This Girl” and “Do You Know”.
6. In 2012, Mr Ibu called for an end to homosexuality in Nollywood, he described it as akin to a virus.
7. He graduated from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu State.
8. He died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62.
