Mr. IBU was no doubt one of the most effortlessly funny comic characters in movies of all time. John Okafor, also known as Mr. IBU, has passed away at the age of 62. He died of a heart attack, according to several accounts. Upon hearing of his passing, many questioned the veracity of the narrative. Nobody ever imagined that Mr. Ibu, who had overcome great personal and medical challenges and survived, could pass away in that manner.
The Nigerian film industry has suffered a devastating blow. Barely 24 hours after the demise of 44-year-old Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, nee Sisi Quadri, the Enugu-born comic actor John Okafor also journeyed to the land of Hades as one of the most gifted and controversial humans to have ever lived on the surface of earth. Like Sisi Quadri, Mr. Ibu was also a gifted clown. He can use his look, words, and actions to entertain his audience for hours when he is alive. If Death were to set a test to determine his fate, Mr. Ibu could make him laugh for hours. Mr. Ibu was an effortlessly funny character.
The tale of Mr. Ibu from grass to grace is incredibly motivating. Even though he lost his father when he was a young boy, he still battled to live a life worthy of heroics and accomplishments that would fill a history book. Mr. Ibu’s career extended beyond comedic films. In 2004, he started acting after having to work at various professions to make ends meet. Without acknowledging his modest origins as a boxer, football teacher, hair stylist, photographer, and karate practitioner, John Okafor’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful director and popular comic actor would be incomplete.
Mr. Ibu was not immune to life’s worst aspects, even though he worked incredibly hard to reach the top. In the months before his death, he faced enormous obstacles related to both his personality and his health. Apart from a brief hiatus in his professional life because of health issues, he endured a miserable life due to his spouse and adopted daughter. This writer came across an interview with Mr. Ibu online, and he said that his fifth marriage to Stella Marris, whom he wed in 2015, was the worst.
His marriage and health were obviously devoid of the perks he had at work. One was the frequent verbal exchanges on social media between his wife and adopted daughter. Another was the blood clot in his leg, which resulted from broken blood vessels. He underwent seven successful procedures before having a limb removed. When the legend left the hospital, his admirers thought he would make a comeback to the screen. Sadly, he passed away while being revived.
John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, left us with many life achievements, most notably an incredible acting resume that will live on in our memories even as we mourn his passing. From Mr. Ibu (2004) to his very last picture, where he performed as a comedic actor and produced as a director, Mr. Ibu captivated the attention of his admirers and encoded his name, roles, and dexterity in their memories with an array of amazing films.
EARLY LIFE
John Ikechukwu Okafor was born on 17 October 1961. He was from Umunekwu in Nigeria’s former Eastern Region (now in Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State).
EDUCATION
He attended his primary school education in his village (Enugu State) and moved to Delta State for his secondary school education. After his secondary school education, Mr Ibu was admitted into the College of Education, Yola but due to he was unable to pay his fees, he dropped out. After saving up money from his menial jobs, he went to the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Enugu, where he studied Mass Communication and bagged a BSc in Mass communication.
MARITAL LIFE
He was married twice in his lifetime. He has more than 10 children, one of whom is known to have died. His second wife, Stella Maris Okafor bore her three children, one of whom is deceased. However, unconfirmed sources claimed that he married five times in his lifetime.
CAREER
John Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother after the death of his father I’m 1974. In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could send himself to school and support his family. He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produced crates before venturing into entertainment business.
Okafor acted in more than 200 Nollywood films 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).
Okafor was known as “Nigeria’s Borat” and in 2012 described homosexuality in Nollywood as akin to a virus, saying “If there is any way in this world that people can make them stop it or kill it, please do it.”
Okafor also ventured into music for a short period of time. On 15 October 2020, he released his songs titled “This girl” and “Do you know”. (Wikipedia sources).
HEALTH CHALLENGES
In October 2023, Okafor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that threatened to make it necessary to amputate one of his legs. He said he was struck by the problem while on a movie set with other Nollywood actors. 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 18 October 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.
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.
Okafor died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos on 2 March 2024, at the age of 62, as a result of cardiac arrest. (Wikipedia sources).