By Vanessa Obioha
Nollywood has lost one of its most beloved comic icons with the passing of Mr Ibu. Known for his endearing humor and memorable performances, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, brought joy to countless households across Nigeria and beyond.
His unexpected demise, announced by Emeka Rollas, president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, left many reeling, coming just a day after the loss of another Nollywood actor, Quadri Oyebamiji, aka Sisi Quadri.
Confirming Mr Ibu’s passing on Instagram, Rollas expressed the deep sorrow felt within the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the wider Nollywood community.
“Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr lbu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years 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.”
Many Nigerians took to X, Facebook and Instagram to pay tribute to the man who brought so much laughter to many households in Nigeria and beyond. Notable Nollywood icons have also shared photos of him on different social media platforms, mourning his passing.
Born John Okafor, Mr Ibu became a household name in Nollywood in the 2000s, starring in the 2004 eponymous film ‘Mr Ibu,’ which was followed by a sequel in 2005. Mr. Ibu belonged to the pantheon of Nollywood comedic veterans who fetched fame for their witty remarks. His characters, although comedic, had seen him play a hardworking father of a naughty child or a gullible friend. On TikTok, his comedic clips served as fodder for content creators, creating comedy relief and nostalgia for fans.
Before his foray into Nollywood, the actor and comedian who hailed from Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State, worked as a hairstylist, and at one time, ventured into photography and worked in a company that produces crates. He had moved to Sapele to live with his brother in 1974 after his father’s death.
Despite his fame, Mr Ibu faced his share of challenges, including health setbacks. In 2020, he revealed a harrowing incident of poisoning allegedly orchestrated by his own staff. The resulting health complications, including a swollen stomach, required extensive medical treatment.
In October 2023, Nigerians learned about an ailment he suffered that would require his leg to be amputated. Donations were made on his behalf, including from the foundation of the former senate president Bukola Saraki who took care of his medical expenses.
By November 2023, Mr Ibu underwent a leg amputation. On his Instagram page, a post clarifying his health status confirmed that the leg was further amputated and that the deceased never suffered from diabetes but from recurring clotting of the blood vessels in his leg.
On Saturday, March 2, he reportedly died after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was aged 62 and is survived by his wife and children.
