In a somber turn of events, Newsonspot sadly announces the demise of the beloved Nollywood comedic icon, John Okafor, affectionately known as Mr Ibu. The actor breathed his last on Saturday, March 2, as confirmed by a close family associate speaking to Channels Television.
Reports reveal that Mr Ibu succumbed to the hands of fate at the Evercare Hospital in Lekki, where he was under intensive medical care after experiencing a relapse.
Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, verified the heartbreaking news of the actor’s passing.
The 62-year-old thespian reportedly suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, compounding the woes that began a week earlier with his health deterioration. Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Mr Ibu’s condition continued to decline until his untimely demise.
The veteran actor’s health struggles had been a matter of concern in recent times.
In October 2023, reports surfaced detailing his illness, prompting calls for financial aid to support his medical treatment. Subsequently, in November of the same year, his family disclosed the distressing news of the amputation of one of his legs, a desperate measure undertaken to prolong his life.
Emeka Chochoo, his former manager, shed light on the necessity of the amputation, citing a severe arterial infection at the ankle that went undetected until it was too late.
In the wake of Mr Ibu’s passing, grief and tributes flood social media platforms as celebrities and colleagues mourn the loss of a true icon.
Mercy Johnson Okojie and Ruth Kadiri are among those who expressed their condolences online, encapsulating the collective sorrow felt by the Nollywood community and fans alike.
As the curtain falls on the illustrious career of Mr Ibu, his legacy as a prolific entertainer and cherished personality lives on in the hearts of millions.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
