News
Nigerian Actor Mr. Ibu Reported Dead
Celebrated Nigerian actor and comedian John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu is reported dead.
According to multiple reports, the actor died on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
The family is yet to speak about the new development.
Background
The actor was hospitalized a couple of months ago after suffering from a serious sickness that led to one of his legs being amputated.
A statement from the actor’s family said that his leg was amputated to save his life.
Doctors had no choice but to sever the limb “to keep him alive”, a statement on his Instagram page read.
The statement went on to further reveal that the actor had undergone seven successful surgeries.
“… but to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery, one of his legs had to be amputated. This development has been hard on us all, but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive.”
The family went on to continue to appeal for help.
“Please, we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians as, at this stage, Daddy is still very delicate, and he needs all the help he can get.”
“Thank you, everyone, the Okafor family is grateful and we don’t take you for granted. In due time, Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported him during this period as soon as he’s stable.”
Mr Ibu’s health issues first came to public attention last October, when the family posted a video on social media of the Nollywood star celebrating in hospital. In the clip he asked his fans for help with medical bills, eliciting a huge response.
The actor became famous 20 years ago in the Nigerian comedy Mr Ibu – which became his nickname. It is still regarded as one of the best Nigerian performances in a comic role.
He went on to act in several other notable movies in Nollywood, as Nigeria’s multi-billion-dollar film industry is known, in a career that has spanned more than two decades.
The star told a local newspaper a few years ago that he had a total of 13 children some of whom were adopted.