Tag: Mr. Ibu

  • “Love, laughter you brought have been replaced by fear and uncertainty” – Mr. Ibu’s wife pays tribute

    “Love, laughter you brought have been replaced by fear and uncertainty” – Mr. Ibu’s wife pays tribute

    Maris Okafor, the widow of late veteran actor John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), has penned a heartfelt message to the public two weeks after his burial.

    She described the past weeks as difficult, marked by hospital visits and sleepless nights since Mr. Ibu’s illness.

    Despite their efforts and the dedication of the medical team, they ultimately lost him.

    Maris expressed her gratitude for the support they received from individuals, including Peter Obi, the Enugu State government, and the Actors Guild of Nigeria, which helped them manage medical expenses and cope with the emotional challenges during this trying time.

    Read Also: Nollywood bid farewell to Mr. Ibu, Muonagor, Adigwe with night of tributes

    She appreciated the outpouring of donations and encouragement from Nigerians, saying it was “nothing short of remarkable”.

    “Today makes it two weeks since we laid my beloved husband, Mr John Okafor (Mr Ibu), to rest. This period has been challenging for me and my family.

    “From the moment my husband’s illness began, it was a difficult journey filled with numerous hospital visits. As his condition worsened, we faced countless sleepless nights, hoping and praying for a miracle. The love and laughter he brought into our lives were replaced by an overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty. Despite our best efforts and the dedication of his medical team, we lost him to the cold hands of death.

    “During these trying times, the support we received from generous and compassionate individuals provided us with the strength to continue. The outpouring of donations and encouragement from Nigerians was nothing short of remarkable, helping us manage medical expenses and cope with the emotional strain”, she wrote in part.

  • Rangers FC, celebrities, fans to honour Mr. Ibu with novelty match

    Rangers FC, celebrities, fans to honour Mr. Ibu with novelty match

    A novelty football match will be held in honour of the late veteran actor, John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu, featuring Rangers International Football Club, celebrities, and fans.

    The match, organised by the Central Planning Committee for Mr. Ibu’s burial, will take place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu at 4 pm, today, Tuesday, June 25.

    The event is part of the burial plans for the late actor, who passed away on March 2, 2024.

    The statement partly read: “The Novelty Match is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 25th of June at the Cathedral of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

    “The time for the Novelty Match is 4 pm prompt. Sports lovers, friends, and well-wishers are enjoined to be part of this historic match.”

    Read Also: Nollywood bid farewell to Mr. Ibu, Muonagor, Adigwe with night of tributes

    The committee chairman, Monday Ani, expressed gratitude to the general manager of Rangers FC, Amobi Ezeaku, and the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremmadu for their support, adding that donations for the funeral service are still being accepted, and the committee appreciates the goodwill of all who wish to honour Mr. Ibu’s memory.

    “Special thanks go to the General Manager of Rangers FC, Amobi Ezeaku, and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremmadu, for their remarkable effort and time invested in the planning of this novelty match.

    “A special thanks goes to everybody investing their time, money, and effort towards the success of this last remembrance especially to the Best Family who donated a live cow for this event. May your efforts towards the success of this event be returned a thousandfold”, the statement concluded.

  • Nollywood bid farewell to Mr. Ibu, Muonagor, Adigwe with night of tributes

    Nollywood bid farewell to Mr. Ibu, Muonagor, Adigwe with night of tributes

    Actors and practitioners of the motion picture industry gathered at the Ojez Entertainment Centre, Surulere, Lagos, Asaba and Abuja to simultaneously honour the memories of three industry legends, John Ikechukwu Okafor aka Mr. Ibu, Amaechi Muonagor, and Zulu Adigwe.

    The night of tributes, organised by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), had several attendees with the chapter chairman, Emeka Rising Ibeh, making sure everything went smoothly. Some of the attendees include Hon. Desmond Elliot, Victor Osuagwu, Dadi Monso, Nora Igbokwe, Emeka Duru, Songito, Shadows, MC Senator, Ifeanyi Ezekwe, Sunny McDon, Mojisola Oyetayo, Francis Onwochei, Julius Agwu, among many others.

    The evening started with a procession from Marsha roundabout to the stadium and later the candlelight procession.

    With the wife and children of John Okafor in attendance, the occasion kicked-off with the praise and worship led by Arinze Okonkwo while Apostle Chinedu Nnalue, who gave the exhortation also led prayer for the families of the departed thespians.

    Read Also: Family announces date for Mr. Ibu’s burial

    In his speech, AGN president, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas admonished the gathering to live an impactful life as the departed trio did.

    Represented by the Vice President, South West, Bukola Fagbuyi, Rollas said: “The late John Okafor, Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe lived life that exemplified brilliance; a life that inspired emulation, a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit and made impact on the society through their profession. Today we are here to honour them, not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also to remember their amazing personalities as they all played a unique and special role in all our lives and the acting profession. They generously  gave their knowledge, expertise and skills to make Nollywood what it is today. Our hearts and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time. They indeed left their footprints on the sands of time and posterity will definitely remember them.”

    Secretary of Board of Trustees  AGN, Sunny Mcdon recalled how his relationship with Muonagor, who worked with the Nigerian News Agency, began in the industry as well as how Mr. Ibu approached him to ask how to join the industry.

    For Francis Onwochei, he advocated for impactful life while alive.

    Julius Agwu urged people to make their lives memorable.

    Ejike Methuselah, Andy Chukwu, Blessing Asigbi, Emma Isikaku, Ifeoma Okeke, Mojisola Oyetayo, among others also spoke eloquently about the dead actors

  • Family announces date for Mr. Ibu’s burial

    Family announces date for Mr. Ibu’s burial

    The family of late Nollywood star, John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu has announced June 28 as the burial date for the late movie star at his hometown Amuri, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    In a statement from the late actor’s family jointly signed by Elder Sunday Okafor (Mr Ibu’s elder brother) and Mr Ibu’s immediate family, Mr Ibu made his home community,  Enugu State, Nigeria and Africa as a whole proud while alive.

    The statement which was made available to newsmen by the burial Planning Committee Chairman, Monday Diamond Ani, said: “The Okafor family in  Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State wishes to honour the loving memory of our hero and a legend John Ikechukwu Okafor who even in death has left a legacy of love, laughter and liveliness. 

    Read Also: Family announces date for Mr. Ibu’s burial

    “We would appreciate your esteemed presence as we lay to rest our son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and in-law on the 28th of June 2024.

    “Kindly join us as we share the best and last moments with our icon,” the statement stated.

    According to the statement, the burial ceremony would begin on Tuesday, June 25th with a high-profile novelty match, while on Wednesday,  June 26, there would be a session called Mr Ibu’s Night, which involves candlelight procession and live entertainment.

    On June 27, a  Christian Wake-Keep will be held at his compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West while the funeral service takes place on June 28.

    The 5-day burial ceremony will be wrapped up on Sunday, 30th June with a Church Thanksgiving for family members, friends and well-wishers.

  • Family announces date for Mr. Ibu’s burial

    Family announces date for Mr. Ibu’s burial

    The family of late movie star, John Ikechukwu Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has announced June 28 for his burial. 

    It will take place at his hometown Amuri, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    A statement from the late actor’s family jointly signed by Elder Sunday Okafor(Mr Ibu’s elder brother) and Mr Ibu’s immediate family, explainwd Mr Ibu made his home community,  Enugu, Nigeria and Africa proud while alive.

    The statement made available by the burial Planning Committee Chairman, Monday Diamond Ani, said: “The Okafor family in  Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State wishes to honour the loving memory of our hero and a legend John Ikechukwu Okafor who even in death has left a legacy of love, laughter and liveliness. 

    “We would appreciate your esteemed presence as we lay to rest our son, husband, father, grandfather,brother, uncle and in-law on the 28th of June 2024.

    “Kindly join us as we share the best and last moments with our icon,” the statement stated.

    According to the statement, the burial ceremony would begin on Tuesday, June 25 with a high profiled novelty match.

    Read Also: Why Mr. Ibu was rejected in US, India for treatment – AGN president Rollas

    On Wednesday,  June 26, there would be session called Mr Ibu’s Night,which involves  candlelight procession and live entertainment.

    On June 27, a  Christian wake would hold at his compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West  while the funeral service takes place on June 28.

    The five -day burial ceremony will be wrapped up on Sunday, 30 June with a Church thanksgiving for family members, friends and well wishers

  • Why Mr. Ibu was rejected in US, India for treatment – AGN president Rollas

    Why Mr. Ibu was rejected in US, India for treatment – AGN president Rollas

    The national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas has explained why the late comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was not flown abroad for medical treatment when he fell ill.

    The union’s president, while speaking to Afia TV, said Mr Ibu was rejected by hospitals in the United States and India because his prognosis would make it impossible for him to board a flight.

    The Nation reported that Mr Ibu died on March 2 after his prolonged battle with ill health.

    According to the family, he also underwent seven surgeries but to keep him alive, one of his legs was amputated.

    Read Also: You died a strong man, Angela Okorie pays tribute to Mr. Ibu

    The family said the actor would be flown abroad for further treatment before he finally passed on.

    Explaining what impeded Mr Ibu from seeking treatment at foreign medical facilities, Emeka said: “There was a time we wanted to fly Ibu abroad, but when we escalated the doctor’s reference and his prognosis, almost all the hospitals in India and America rejected him and said whoever that has this kind of prognosis cannot survive flight to any country.”

  • You left me speechless, Okey Bakassi pays tribute to Mr. Ibu

    You left me speechless, Okey Bakassi pays tribute to Mr. Ibu

    Stand-up comedian Okey Bakassi has dedicated a spoken word tribute to his senior colleague, John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu following his demise.

    Taking to his Instagram page, he questioned how someone like Mr Ibu, who brings so much laughter and joy can go like that.

    He said he was in Canada when he learned of his death, which left him speechless.

    Recounting his time with the deceased, he said he visited him last at the hospital in Ikoyi and despite his situation, Mr Ibu made him laugh as he cracked jokes with him.

    He disclosed that he left the hospital devastated because Mr Ibu didn’t serve to be there.

    Unfortunately, he couldn’t visit the actor after his leg amputation because he didn’t want to see him in such a state, unknowingly that his death was approaching.

    Read Also: Mr. Ibu’s family neglected him to fight for money – Actress Doris Ogala

    Apologising to him, he added that he silently prayed for him.

    “I was in Canada when I heard you are dead, so it’s true? You left me speechless bro. How can someone who brings so much laughter and joy, just die? I don’t understand this world. When Ibu enters somewhere, everywhere dey change, happiness go dey, people will know he has arrived. I remember when I came to see you in the hospital in Ikoyi, despite your situation, you still managed to share jokes. I left that hospital feeling devastated because someone like you wasn’t supposed to be in the hospital. My brother, the stage is where you belong. Months later when your situation became worse and we had to cut your legs to save your life, I couldn’t come to see you in that state. I silently prayed you would recover, not knowing your death was near. Please forgive”.

    Captioning the post, he wrote: “It has been very difficult to process. Life happens. Rest in peace my brother and friend, John Okafor”.

  • It hurts you had to suffer from pain before you passed – Rita Edochie pays tribute to Mr. Ibu

    It hurts you had to suffer from pain before you passed – Rita Edochie pays tribute to Mr. Ibu

    Actress Rita Edochie has shared her last encounter with Mr. Ibu before the comedian’s death.

    Edochie, via her Instagram page, stated how hurtful it is to receive the sad news of the veteran actor’s death, knowing how he suffered so much and groaned painfully before his exit.

    She however expressed relief that Heaven wanted to welcome his soul and relieve him of the suffering and pain, asserting that no one had the right to question the giver of life as death is inevitable.

    Praying for Mr. Ibu’s soul to rest in peace, she described the deceased as her brother, friend, and colleague, leaving his family with a word of prayer.

    Read Also; CBN warns Nigeria, others on New Debt Risks

    She said: “What hurts me most is not even your demise, it’s knowing the fact that you suffered so much and groaned painfully in the grips of paleness.

    “The last time I went to see you at Evercare hospital in Lagos, we discussed to a certain extent and I was very excited that full recuperation was taking place.

    “I think this is the time the heavens want to welcome your soul and relieve you of all the stress and burden sickness imposed on you at least now you can rest and the illness too can rest.

    “In as much as I know that this right here is very excruciating, we still do not have the right to question the giver of life. Death is really inevitable, it’s a call everyone would answer everything in life is transient.

    “May your peaceful and ever-living soul rest in power my great friend, brother, and colleague. Nollywood will miss you dearly. All I beg god for is that he gives the family you left behind the fortitude to bear this loss, Amen.”

  • Mr. Ibu’s adopted daughter Jasmine accused of hijacking TikTok account

    Mr. Ibu’s adopted daughter Jasmine accused of hijacking TikTok account

    Jasmine Okafor, the adopted daughter of the late legendary actor Mr Ibu, has faced harsh criticisms from netizens over claims that she changed the deceased TikTok account of 1.1 million followers to hers.

    The allegation comes barely 72 hours after the death of Mr. Ibu.

    In a recent Instagram post, controversial blogger Tosin Silverdam accused Jasmine of personalising the late actor’s TikTok account.

    Read Also: President mourns Mr. Ibu, Sisi Quadri

    Tosin questioned the logic for the quick action, fearing that the actor’s adopted daughter had been notified about Mr Ibu’s death before the occurrence.

    He also contrasted Jasmine Okafor’s own Tiktok account, which has over 1 million followers, questioning her motives for taking the actor’s lone page and erasing all of his videos.

    It is worth noting that Mr. Ibu’s adoptive daughter established the actor’s account and handled it for him some years ago.

  • How I found out my husband is 51 not 38-year-old – Mr. Ibu’s adopted daughter, Jasmine

    How I found out my husband is 51 not 38-year-old – Mr. Ibu’s adopted daughter, Jasmine

    Jasmine Okekeagwu, the adopted daughter of the famous comic actor, Mr Ibu, has narrated how she found out that her estranged husband was 51oyear-old not 38.

    Recall that Jasmine announced divorce from her UK-based husband in November 2022, explaining that he had lied to her about his previous marriage and kids.

    Speaking during her latest interview with popular media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Jasmine said she discovered that her ex lied to be 38 years old on their wedding day.

    She said: “I was with my ex-husband for nine months and I did not get pregnant. Now this is where the story got very tricky. This man told me he had never married and he had never gotten a lady pregnant before in his life.

    Read Also: Emefiele moves out of CBN Gov’s quarters in Lagos

    “He told me he was 38 years old but I found out my husband was 51 on our wedding day. Imagine finding out such a thing on a wedding day.

    “Many people had different experiences with him. He promised about five girls marriages. And when I was going through my husband’s phone I started seeing a lot of girls, most of which are Yoruba, and big big TikTokers.”