By Lubem Gena
A veteran comic actor in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Mr John Okafor has died at the age of 62.
Mr. Okafor who was popularly known as Mr. Ibu reportedly died after a prolonged battle with ailments which saw his two legs amputated in 2023.
Various media reports have it that the veteran actor and comedian passed away at Evercare hospital.
Many commentators and content creators across several social media platforms as well as fans have been thrown into mourning after the news of his demise hit the news waves.
News Headquarters recalls that in October 2023, the actor 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.
Mr. Ibu, during the period 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.
A report by Vanguard newspaper says, The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, which was established by the former senate president of Nigeria, paid off Mr. Ibu’s entire medical expenses as of 18 October 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.
Checks indicate that the actor hails from Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State. After elementary school, in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother, after his father’s demise.
After secondary school, he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu as soon as he was financially able to.
Mr. Ibu had 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).
