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Tag: Mr. Ibu

  • Veteran Nollywood actor Mr. Ibu dies at 62

    Veteran Nollywood actor Mr. Ibu dies at 62

    Popular Nollywood comic actor, Johnson Okafor a.k.a. Mr. Ibu lost the battle for his life yesterday following a prolonged illness.

    He was aged 62.

    Mr Ibu had recently been discharged from the hospital after undergoing five surgeries during which his two legs were amputated.

    He was scheduled to be flown abroad for further treatment when he gave up the ghost yesterday.

    The late actor was widely known for his comic roles and garnered millions of fans across the globe.

    A representative of Mr. Ibu’s family, who broke the news of his discharge from the Lagos hospital where he had been receiving treatment, had said: “We want to thank God and most especially the general public for their support, encouragement and prayers during this trying period for our dad.

    “We called on good Nigerians and we are very grateful for the response in every aspect most especially the donations. It came in very timely and very helpful.

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    “So far, Daddy has gone through five successful surgeries, and he is still recovering in the ICU. Daddy is immensely grateful and we are thankful to the general public during this phase of our lives.”

    Mr. Ibu’s humor, warmth, and talent endeared him to fans both young and old.

    He is survived by a wife and children.

    His death came 24 hours after that  of Yoruba Nollywood actor, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri .

    Oyebamiji was laid to rest in his home towm of Iwo, Osun State yesterday.

  • Eight things to know about Mr. Ibu

    Eight things to know about Mr. Ibu

    1. Late John Ikechukwu Okafor fondly called Mr. Ibu was born on 17 October 1961.

    2. He hailed from Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State.

    3. After elementary school, in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother, after his father’s demise.

    In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family. He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produces crates.

    After secondary school, he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial issues.

    He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu as soon as he was financially able to.

    4. The late comic actor 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).

    5. Mr Ibu also ventured into music. He did music for a short period of time.

    On October 15, 2020 he released his songs titled This girl and Do you know.

    6. In October 2023, John Okafor 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.

    Read Also: Oluwo warns against arbitrary price increase

    He 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.

    7. 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. However, his health conditions worsened and he died on March 2, 2024.

    8. He was survived by his wife, Stella Maris and three children; Emmanuel Mandela, Chelsea and Jay Jay Okafor

  • BREAKING: Mr. Ibu feared dead at 62

    BREAKING: Mr. Ibu feared dead at 62

    Veteran actor John Okafor popularly known as Mr.Ibu has reportedly passed on.

    According to multiple reports from sources close to him, the veteran comedian passed away at Evercare hospital in Lagos.

    The Comic actor had undergone surgeries leading to the amputation of one of his legs.

    Read Also: Oluwo warns against arbitrary price increase

    Many fans shared condolences on X, reminiscing on the movies the late actor featured in.

    Details Shortly…

  • Mr. Ibu was my father’s friend, says adopted daughter Jasmine

    Mr. Ibu was my father’s friend, says adopted daughter Jasmine

    Jasmine Okafor, the adopted daughter of veteran actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has revealed the story of how she came to know the movie icon.

    Recently, Jasmine and Mr. Ibu’s son, Daniel Onyeabuchi, were arrested in Lagos for allegedly defrauding the actor of N55 million.

    In a widely circulated video on the internet, Jasmine addressed the allegations and shared her side of the story.

    She recounted how she met Mr. Ibu, who became a father figure to her after the death of her own father.

    Jasmine shared her perspective on the incident on her YouTube channel, shedding light on the circumstances leading up to the arrest.

    Despite facing challenging times, Jasmine expressed gratitude to God for her journey over the past three months.

    Read Also: How police, hunters, Amotekun rescued five pupils, teachers, kidnapped in Ekiti

    She explained that while she initially hesitated to speak out, she felt compelled to share her truth as she believed she had been abused and used.

    She stated: “I want to say thank you to everybody, especially those who had faith in me, believed in me, and patiently waited till this day for me to speak out.

    “The past three months I can’t say it has been hell, but in every situation, I want to give thanks to God. I said I wasn’t going to talk about this issue until Daddy (Mr Ibu) gets back on his feet and glory to God he has been discharged and recuperating. A lot has happened and I would like to shed more light on how I got involved and how things got to this point.

    “I am not talking because I need people to sympathize with me. I am talking because I feel like I have been abused, and used and I hope you guys are patient enough to listen to the entire story because it means a lot to me.

    “My dad passed away so many years ago, he was in Nigerian army and was a good friend to Mr Ibu, who is now a father figure in my life. When my dad passed on, Mr Ibu was at the burial, and ever since then has played a father figure role in my life. Fast forward to 2018, I left the country, I left Nigeria to look for greener pastures, and from there I relocated to Cyprus where I was studying law.

    “Fast forward to 2020, Mr Ibu started writing me on WhatsApp, requesting financial assistance and this was surprising to me because before I left, he was doing well and was almost at the peak of his career. He now opened up to me that he was sick and was in Abuja, while his wife was in Lagos I requested to call her and she told me he had left the house for over two years.

    “I didn’t want to speak but things have gotten to a point that I have to speak my truth”.

    “She captioned the video via her Instagram page with: “Thank you all for your patience, love, and prayers, during this trying period! I have declined lots and lots of interviews simply because I wanted to be able to tell my story exactly the way it happened, sequentially, with facts and evidence. I have uploaded the full video on my YouTube and I will be uploading more evidence there if need be. Obviously, in times like this silence isn’t golden, silence is consent. And I will never consent to allegations based on envy, sentiment, and zero fact, I will be posting bit by bit here.”

  • Actor Ken Eric pays Mr. Ibu courtesy visit after returning from hospital

    Actor Ken Eric pays Mr. Ibu courtesy visit after returning from hospital

    Veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu received a courtesy visit at his residence from his junior colleague, Ken Eric, following his recent discharge from the hospital.

    The Nation reported that one of Mr Ibu’s legs was amputated after being diagnosed with diseased blood vessels.

    His family had sought financial support from Nigerians, citing constant blood clotting in his leg and other health challenges as life-threatening, necessitating the amputation.

    Ken Erics has shared a video capturing his visit to the legendary actor, who is still in the process of recuperation, indicating his return from the hospital.

    Read Also: Mr. Ibu undergoes another leg surgery, says AGN president

    Posting the video on his Instagram page, Erics stated in the caption that the footage was intended to bring brightness to the day of fans and admirers of Mr. Ibu.

    He wrote: “Happy Sunday lovelies. Something to brighten your day @realmribu.”

  • Why Police invited Mr. Ibu’s sons, adopted daughter – Emeka Chocoo

    Why Police invited Mr. Ibu’s sons, adopted daughter – Emeka Chocoo

    Former manager to Mr. Ibu, Emeka Chocoo, has explained why the police invited the ailing actor’s two sons and his adopted daughter, Jasmine.

    It was reported that the actor’s wife, Stella Maris allegedly ordered their arrests over the signature to the actor’s account.

    Nollywood actress, Doris Ogala, who shared the news on Instagram, alleged that Jasmine and the actor’s sons were arrested and detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos over claims that Jasmine transferred N300 million donated to the ailing actor from his account.

    Read Also: I will remain silent till Mr. Ibu gets better – Jasmine Chioma

    She wrote: “Jasmine and Ibu’s sons were arrested at Alagbon Police Station. They are detained there. Ibu’s wife alleged that Jasmine moved N300 million out of the account. Ibu’s wife allegedly wanted them to buy her new house from the money contributed so far for Ibu’s treatments.

    “That’s why she arrested Jasmine. But investigation states that the money contributed isn’t even up to N300 million.”

    Chochoo in an interview with Punch, on Thursday, confirmed that they were invited by the police over the actor’s account.

    He said: “Yes, they were all invited by the police. I won’t call it arrest; the police invited them over Mr Ibu’s account. However, Val is left out as he knows nothing about what’s been happening. He just returned to the country. I have not been able to reach any of them.”

  • I will remain silent till Mr. Ibu gets better – Jasmine Chioma

    I will remain silent till Mr. Ibu gets better – Jasmine Chioma

    Jasmine Chioma, adopted daughter of ailing actor, Mr. Ibu Jasmine Chioma, has reacted to the damning allegations levelled against her by Stella Maris, wife of the actor.

    The Nation reported that Stella Maris had called out Jasmine for restricting her from having access to donations made by well-meaning Nigerians to her ailing husband.

    She also alleged that Jasmine was sleeping with Mr. Ibu whom she claims to be her father and Mr. Ibu’s son.

    Read Also; A large percentage of religion is scam – Yul Edochie

    In the face of the allegations and brouhahas, Jasmine took to her IG page a few moments ago to declare her attention to remain silent in the meantime.

    She noted that what matters most is for Mr. Ibu to get back on his feet.

    She also attached a touching video of him on his sick bed following the leg amputation.

    Jasmine could be seen feeding the actor in different scenes and Ibu’s son was also spotted.

    She wrote: “As Long as you are getting better, nothing else matters. I remain silent until you are back on your feet again! Cheers.”

  • My husband’s adopted daughter trying to oust me from marriage – Mr. Ibu’s wife

    My husband’s adopted daughter trying to oust me from marriage – Mr. Ibu’s wife

    Stella Maris Okafor, wife of ailing veteran actor, Mr. Ibu has alerted the public over an alleged scheme by her adopted daughter, Jasmine Chioma Okeke, to send her packing from her marriage.

    Stella Maris accused her of being in charge of the donations meant for the medical care of her husband and she is attempting to divert the funds for her personal use.

    Gistlover went further to claim that Stella Maris had already utilised her account to withdraw a substantial sum of N1 million from the donations.

    Responding to the allegations, Stella Maris Okafor, took to social media to address what she deems as malicious lies orchestrated by Jasmine.

    In her statement, she expressed gratitude to well-wishers and supporters who have contributed to her husband’s well-being during this challenging period.

    She emphasised that John Okafor is responding positively to treatment, and the focus should remain on his health.

    Read Also: Mr. Ibu survives five surgeries, family confirms health improvement

    She added: “Hello, wonderful Nigerians, friends, and well wishes from all over the world. I want to use this medium to appreciate everyone who has contributed to the well-being of my husband. He is responding well to treatment and we believe we shall overcome this health challenge to the glory of God.

    “Recently, there have been some malicious lies being peddled against me on social media as masterminded by Jasmine Chioma Okeke who wants to make me an outsider in my own home but God forbid. I will address my family affairs and other related matters when the time is right. For now, my husband’s health is most important.”

  • Mr. Ibu survives five surgeries, family confirms health improvement

    Mr. Ibu survives five surgeries, family confirms health improvement

    Family of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu, have expressed unshaken gratitude to God and to the public who have supported the medical fee of the actor and also for their heartfelt prayers towards the ailing actor.

    They admitted to the good usage of the money sent to aid the speed recovery of the comic actor.  

    According to the family, Mr. Ibu has undergone five successful surgeries and is currently in the process of recovery in the ICU.

    They emphasised the necessity for further financial support to transport the actor overseas for advanced medical treatment once he quickly stabilizes in the hospital.

    Mr Ibu’s family wrote: “Update On Daddy (Mr IBU) We want to thank God and most especially the General public for their support, encouragement, and prayers doing this trying period for our dad. We called on Good Nigerians and we are very grateful for the response in every aspect most especially the donations, it came in very timely and very helpful.

    Read Also: Mr. Ibu’s health condition getting worse, says VeryDarkMan

    “So far daddy has gone through 5 successful surgeries, and he is still recovering in the ICU. Daddy is immensely grateful and we are thankful to the general public during this phase of our lives.

    “We appreciate all the donations made to this account, and soon as daddy is better he will personally acknowledge all donations respectively ! We are still counting on all your prayers and unwavering support as we pray he gets stabilized quickly to enable us fly him abroad for further advances treatment.. The John Okafor family is grateful to all Nigerians.”

  • Peter Okoye seeks assistance for ailing Mr. Ibu

    Peter Okoye seeks assistance for ailing Mr. Ibu

    Music star Peter Okoye aka Mr. P has rallied support for ailing veteran, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu.

    The Nation reported that Mr Ibu and his family in a touching video solicited funds and prayers for the actor.

    The actor informed the doctor said the last option would be to cut off his leg if other means of tackling his medical issue prove ineffective

    Read Also: Actor Kanayo slams Reno Omokri over comment on ailing Mr. Ibu

    In a post on Instagram, Mr P described Mr Ibu as one who brought smiles to the faces of many and beckoned the public to support him financially and through prayers.

    Ibu, who is not disposed to the amputation option, called for prayers, lamenting how his life would be if the leg is cut off.

    Reposting Mr Ibu’s account details, Peter Okoye wrote: “Our very own @realmribu (John Okafor) needs our help as he goes through a medical challenge. Our Nollywood legends deserve better, its time for we the people to show him love for bringing joy to our screens all these years. I am pledging my support for him 100%. My dear colleagues, friends, family and fans pls support him in any little way you can!
    He needs our prayers and financial support in this challenging time. Praying for his speedy recovery
    May God heal you permanently our dear
    veteran”.