John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, a veteran Nollywood actor, has been reported dead. His death came after a long battle with an ailment for several months. Nigerians have attributed his death to so many factors, but confirmed sources reveal that he died of cardiac arrest.
A close associate of the family confirmed that Mr. Ibu died on a Saturday afternoon of March 2, 2024, after he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Evercare Hospital, Lekki a few days ago.
The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas officially announced that the ace actor died of cardiac arrest. His manager of 24 years, Don Nwuzor wrote on his Instagram page “I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu did not make it. May his soul rest in peace,”
Following the report, several individuals including some players in the Nigerian entertainment industry have taken to social media to mourn the comic actor who died at the age of 62. His death is mourned by many Nigerians.
“Rest well, Mr Ibu. We will definitely miss you, brother,” Peter of P-Square wrote on X.
“It is well…rest well, sir,” actress Mercy Johnson also wrote.
In November 2023, Ibu’s family announced that the actor’s leg was amputated for medical reasons.
The family, in a statement shared on social media, said that Mr. Ibu underwent a few surgeries before the amputation to save his life.
“This development has been hard on us all but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality,” it read.
The family further urged Nigerians and fans to support them, noting that their father’s condition is delicate.
The comedy actor has starred in dozens of Nollywood films including Aki and Pawpaw, Keziah, 9 Wives and Mr. Ibu in London.
