John Ikechukwu Okafor (17 October 1961 – 2 March 2024), popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was a Nigerian actor and comedian.
Background and education
He was born in Enugu State, in particular in Nkanu West L.G.A. After the death of his father in 1974, Okafor relocated to Sapele to settle with his brother after finishing elementary school. He worked odd jobs in Sapele to pay for his family's support and education. After that, he pursued careers as a hairstylist, a photographer, and a crate producer.
He was accepted to the Yola College of Education after completing high school, but he withdrew due to financial issues. Later, as soon as he could afford it, he enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.
Career
Actors include: 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). He had appeared in over 200 Nolly Wood movies.
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?
Mr. Ibu Family
He is survived by his second wife, Stella Maris Okafor.
Three children: Emmanuel Mandela Okafor, Chelsea Okafor, and Jay Jay Okafor.
Emmanuel Mandela Okafor died on January 23, 2012.
Mr Ibu Health challenges
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. 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.
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, which was established by the former senate president of Nigeria, paid off Okafor’s entire medical expenses as of October 18, 2023. The foundation also stated that Okafor still required a lot of financial assistance to sustain him in the hospital and for his travel abroad for further treatment.
Amputation of the leg
Okafor suffered from an illness that required seven surgeries, and in November 2023, he had his leg amputated. According to his family, the amputation was performed in order to prolong his life and improve his prognosis. But when his health worsened, he passed away on March 2, 2024.
Mr. Ibu Death
John died after his health challenge on March 2, 2024.
