Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, is dead. A close associate of the family confirmed to Channels Television that the actor died on Saturday afternoon after he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Evercare Hospital, Lekki a few days ago.
Mr Ibu, 62, died of cardiac arrest after he had a relapse about a week ago and was rushed to the Lagos-based hospital.
Also, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rolla, confirmed the actor’s death.
Last year, the actor underwent surgery to remove one of his legs after soliciting help and prayers from fans.
Mr Ibu’s death followed the passing of his colleague, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, who died on Friday and was buried on Saturday in his hometown, Iwo, in Osun State.
Mr. Ibu hailed 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. In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family.
He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produces crates.
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.
Mr Ibu acted in more than 200 NollyWood movies including Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr.Ibu in London (2005), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).
Mr Ibu also ventured into music. He did music for a short period of time. On 15 October 2020 he released his songs titled This girl and Do you know.
In November 2023, the actor 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. However, his health conditions worsened and he died on 2 March 2024.
