Veteran Nigerian actor and comedian John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu has died following surgery complications

It is sad to hear of the passing of Nollywood legend John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu. John Ikechukwu Okafor (born October 17, 1961, died March 2, 2024). He became a name for one of his most famous movies, Mr. Ibu, which was a hit alongside Osita Iheme. Nigeria and the rest of Africa have lost an icon.

The comic actor, known for his infectious humor and memorable performances, had been battling health challenges, including undergoing surgeries that ultimately led to the amputation of his leg. Sadly, Mr. Ibu succumbed to these health complications.The comic actor, who had undergone surgeries that led to the amputation of his leg, finally succumbed to the cold hands of death.

It would be recalled that before his demise, there had been speculations about his demise following his absence from the limelight for over three years before the news of him being bedridden went viral. Mr. Ibu alleged that his kinsmen paid some of his domestic workers to poison him because of his successful career.

Veteran Nigerian actor and comedian, John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu has reportedly passed on..🕊 pic.twitter.com/6WsbTMpLnp

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— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 2, 2024

He has 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 October 15, 2020, he released his songs titled This Girl and Do You Know?

In October 2023, John Okafor 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.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, which was established by the former senate president of Nigeria, paid off Okafor’s entire medical expenses as of October 18, 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; sadly, he passed away on March 2, 2024. We keep his family in our prayers, as they lost an important member and a legend of the acting industry.

The passing of Mr. Ibu, closely following the death of Sisi Quadri, casts a pall over Nigeria’s film community, prompting reflections on the impermanence of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The industry is left to ponder the future and consider ways to better support its members through health crises and beyond. As the news of Mr. Ibu’s death spreads, there is a collective call for remembrance and appreciation for the joy he brought to screens worldwide.

Veteran Actor, John Okafor Aka ‘Mr. Ibu’ is dead 💔🕊 He made our childhood so fun.

May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/rc6F5yNJuM

— The Charity Guy 🇺🇬 (@roxie_ug) March 2, 2024

Sad to hear of the passing of Nollywood legend John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu. Mr Ibu became a name from one his most famous movies Mr Ibu which was a hit alongside Osita Iheme. Nigeria and the rest of Africa has lost an icon. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LcyzydXRtN

— 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒕 𝑶𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 (@Shadaya_Knight) March 2, 2024

Rest In Power, John Okafor (Mr. Ibu) 🕯️ pic.twitter.com/lg7YPxkuwp

— Lawrence I. Okoro ( Sir Law ) (@LawrenceOkoroPG) March 2, 2024