Nigeria’s popular Nollywood actor, 62-year-old John Okafor, also known as “Mr Ibu”, has died of cardiac arrest resulting from months of sickness.
Okfor death came barely 24 hours after another popular Nollywood Actor, Sisi Quadri lost his life to a brief illness.
The National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, broke the news of the death of Okafor on his Instagram page on Saturday.
” Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor,’’ Rollas said on his Instagram page.
“I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
In October 2023, John Okafor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment suspected to be diabetes that eventually led to the amputation of one of his legs.
Okafor said he was struck by the problem while on a movie set with other Nollywood actors and actresses.
He 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, on Oct. 18, 2023, paid off Okafor’s entire medical expenses.
The foundation also stated that Okafor still required a lot of financial assistance to sustain him in the hospital and for his travels 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.
Okafor acted in more than 200 Nollywood movies. He also ventured into music, just for a short period.
On Oct. 15, 2020, he released his songs titled “This girl” and “Do you know”.
The veteran comedian passed away at Evercare hospital.
Many fans have shared condolences on X, reminiscing movies the late actor has featured.
Mr Ibu has been in and out of hospital since early 2023.
A graduate from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Okafor born on 17 October 1961 is survived by three children, Emmanuel Okafor, Chelsea Okafor, and Jay Jay Okafor.
He was from Umunekwu inNkanu West Local Government Area of Nigeria’s South East Enugu State.
After his father died, Okafor moved to Sapele in South South Delta state in 1974 to stay with his brother where he did menial jobs so he could send himself to school and support his family.
He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produced crates.
Series of condolences have continued to pour from Nigerians.
Albert Nat Hyde in his verified X handle did an expose on Okafor’s last days on earth, titled, “Before Mr Ibu died’’.
Hyde said that Okafor’s, “ first wife divorced him and took away his savings; the second wife accused him of sleeping with daughter; he suffered diabetes; had blood clotting and dead blood vessels in leg.
“His daughter squandered monies meant for his surgery; his wife still asked for iPhone 15 while he was dying; and he sold almost all his properties; and his leg was eventually amputated and finally, he dies abandoned with no wife, no properties, no money and no legs.’’
“Legacy ruined! Marriage is a loss to every man!’’
