Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu has reportedly died at the age of 62 after a prolonged battle with an ailment.
Multiple sources close to Mr. Ibu said that the veteran actor and comedian passed away at Evercare hospital.
Emeka Rollas, National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), confirmed his death on his Instagram page on Saturday.
Rollas said: “Sad Day for the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest, according to his 24-year-old manager, Mr Don Single Nwuzor.
“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr. Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace.”
In October 2023, the actor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that threatened to amputate one of his legs.
He said he was struck by the problem while on a movie set with other Nollywood actors and actresses.
Mr. Ibu had appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills. He also shared a video of himself lying in a hospital bed, expressing his fear of losing his leg.
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, which was established by the former senate president of Nigeria, paid off Mr. Ibu’s entire medical expenses as of 18 October 2023.
The foundation also stated that Okafor still required a lot of financial assistance to sustain him in the hospital and for his travel abroad for further treatment.
In November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.
His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery.
The actor hails from Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State. After elementary school, in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother, after his father’s demise.
After secondary school, he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu as soon as he was financially able to.
had appeared in more than 200 Nollywood films, such as Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006), Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London (2005), and Keziah (2007).
