Nigerians have been plunged into mourning following the reported demise of veteran actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, at the age of 62. According to multiple sources close to him, the iconic actor/comedian breathed his last at Evercare Hospital.
The sad news comes after a series of health challenges that had plagued the beloved actor in recent times. On December 16, 2023, it was revealed that Mr. Ibu, battling deteriorating health, had one of his legs amputated due to medical complications. Subsequently, his condition continued to worsen, with reports indicating that he had undergone another surgery, resulting in the amputation of part of the same leg.
Prior to these developments, Mr. Ibu had faced health setbacks, including a poisoning incident in May 2022 during an event in Abuja, which led to his hospitalisation for a month. Despite being discharged briefly, he soon found himself readmitted to the hospital. Then, on November 7, 2023, it was disclosed by family members that his leg had been amputated by doctors in a bid to save his life.
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The news of Mr. Ibu‘s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike, who have taken to various platforms to express their condolences and reminisce about the late actor’s illustrious career. Mr. Ibu endeared himself to audiences with his unique brand of comedy, leaving an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The demise of Mr. Ibu comes amidst heightened concerns about the health of other veteran actors in the industry, including Amaechi Muonagor, who has been hospitalized for an extended period. The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria,AGN, Dr. Emeka Rollas had earlier acknowledged the challenges facing the entertainment community, stating, “We are resigning to fate concerning the health struggles of our ailing actors.”
As tributes continue to pour in for Mr. Ibu, his family, friends, and fans are left to mourn the loss of a beloved figure whose comedic genius brought joy to millions. Despite his physical absence, his legacy in the world of Nigerian cinema will endure, ensuring that he is fondly remembered for generations to come.
