Breaking: Veteran Nollywood actor, Mr. Ibu is dead

Popular Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu is dead, a source in the Nigerian movie industry has informed REPORT AFRIQUE.

Mr. Ibu allegedly died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos on Saturday. He was said to have died from cardiac arrest, according to post by the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

His manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor disclosed that Ibu suffered a heart attack on Saturday and was rushed to the Evercare Hospital at Admiralty Way, Lekki before passing away.

Following the news of his demise, many of his fans have taken to the microblogging platform X to pay their condolences to the actor.

Nigerian Actors Guild Confirms Mr. Ibu’s Death

The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Rollas has confirmed the dead of actor John Okafor.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mr. Rollas posted thus:

“Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria.

Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years Mr Don Single Nwuzor.

I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didnt make it.

May his soul rest in peace.”

How Mr. Ibu Was Allegedly Poisoned Twice

In 2022, Mr Ibu alleged that he had been poisoned twice by his ‘Village People’ in an attempt to kill.

Speaking in pidgin, Ibu said, “Village People” refers to evil kinsmen, witches, sorcerers who reside in the village and ‘hinder’ an individual’s progress.

Ibu who was subsequently treated at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre Abuja, survived his ordeal and recovered from his illness then.

Mr. Ibu Had His Leg Amputated Last Year

Mr. Ibu, 62, had been in and out of the hospital since late 2023.

He had one of his legs amputated in India after he was diagnosed of blood clotting and other related diseases.

News of his ill-health made the waves in Nigeria leading to a fund raising of almost N150 million by the public last year.

The funds were later a subject of controversy by his family members, leading to the arrest of his foster daughter and one of his sons.

Mr. Ibu’s Career As A Comic Nollywood Actor

John Okafor hails from Nkanu West L.G.A. in Enugu State, South East, Nigeria. After his elementary education in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother, following his father’s demise.

Mr. Ibu has a struggling childhood. He worked in Sapele as a hair stylist and did other menial jobs to support his mother and siblings.

Later on, Ibu was introduced to acting while self-sponsoring his education at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

Okafor will later become the darling of comedy lovers in Nigeria and Africa, starring in popular movies.

He has starred in over 200 NollyWood movies. Some of his movies include 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).