National President of the Actor Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas has sadly announced the passing of actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Mr. Rollas confirmed that the actor, who had been battling health issues for some time, passed away due to cardiac arrest. The news of his death came on Saturday, March 2, at the age of 62.
The Actor Guild of Nigeria mourned the loss, as Mr. Rollas expressed his condolences, alongside the news of Kate Henshaw losing her mother on the same day. Mr. Ibu’s manager of 24 years, Mr. Don Single Nwuzor, shared the devastating news of his passing.
Back in October 2023, the actor’s family had revealed that he was undergoing health challenges and had already undergone multiple surgeries in an effort to combat his illness.
Despite his health struggles, Mr. Ibu remained hopeful and even launched a fundraiser to cover his medical expenses at a hospital in Lagos. He had been hospitalized for two weeks due to a severe and unknown illness.
Tragically, on November 6, 2023, Mr. Ibu had to undergo an amputation of his leg, just a month after seeking support and prayers from his fans. His family announced the amputation on his Instagram page, stating that it was necessary to increase his chances of recovery.
In a further update on December 17, 2023, the actor’s family disclosed the reasons behind his inability to seek treatment abroad, citing his condition and the airlines’ refusal to transport him due to being ‘Not Fit To Fly.’
Mr. Ibu’s health challenges were attributed to blood clotting in his leg from diseased blood vessels, posing a severe risk to his life. After being discharged in January, he was visited by Nollywood actor Ken Erics.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ibu appeared in over 200 Nollywood movies, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. Some of his notable works include “Mr. Ibu (2004)”, “Mr. Ibu and His Son”, “Coffin Producers”, “Husband Suppliers”, “International Players”, and more.
The legacy of Mr. Ibu continues to live on in the hearts of his fans and colleagues in the entertainment world. May his soul rest in peace.
