Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor Mr Ibu Dies at 62
The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, has lost one of its most iconic and humorous actors, John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu. The actor reportedly passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, after a long battle with a blood disorder that led to the amputation of his leg last year.
Mr Ibu was born on October 17, 1961, in Enugu State, and started his acting career in the late 1980s. He rose to fame in the early 2000s with his comedic roles in movies such as Mr Ibu, Mr Ibu in London, Police Recruit, and Keziah. He was known for his hilarious facial expressions, body language, and catchphrases that made millions of Nigerians laugh.
He won several awards and accolades for his outstanding performances, including the Best Actor in a Leading Role at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2004, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nollywood Movies Awards in 2014. He also featured in several commercials and endorsements for brands such as MTN, Glo, and GoTV.
Mr Ibu was married to Stella Maris Okafor, and had five children. He was a devoted Christian and a philanthropist who supported various causes and charities. He was loved and respected by his colleagues, fans, and friends, who have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his legacy.
Some of the celebrities who have mourned his death include AY Makun, Mercy Johnson, Funke Akindele, Osita Iheme, and Genevieve Nnaji. They described him as a legend, a mentor, a friend, and a source of joy and inspiration.
Mr Ibu’s death is a huge loss for Nollywood and Nigeria as a whole. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry and the society at large. May his soul rest in peace.
Hoe did Mr. Ibu die
According to SaharaReporters, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) announced in December 2023 that Mr Ibu had another leg cut off and could hardly speak, and asked for prayers and help for the veteran.
The family of Mr. Ibu told SaharaReporters in November that the actor had seven operations but one of his legs was removed to save his life.
The family said the actor had five successful surgeries and was going to be taken overseas for more treatment before he died.
Mr Ibu most popular movie
Mr Ibu’s most popular movies was Mr Ibu (2004), which starred him and Osita Iheme as father and son. The film was a riot of laughter and showcased Mr Ibu’s hilarious facial expressions, body language, and catchphrases. It was also the first in the Mr Ibu series, which spawned several sequels and spin-offs. Mr Ibu (2004) won the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2004. It is widely regarded as a Nollywood classic and a testament to Mr Ibu’s comedic brilliance.
Who are some of the actors that worked with him?
Mr Ibu worked with many actors in his long and successful career in Nollywood. Some of the actors that worked with him include:
- Osita Iheme: He co-starred with Mr Ibu in the popular comedy film Mr Ibu (2004) and its sequels and spin-offs. They played a hilarious father and son duo that made millions of Nigerians laugh.
- Funke Akindele: She played Mr Ibu’s wife in the film Husband Suppliers (2007), where they portrayed a couple that ran a business of supplying husbands to single women.
- Mercy Johnson: She featured alongside Mr Ibu in the film Police Recruit (2003), where they played two aspiring police officers who got into trouble with their superiors and criminals.
- Genevieve Nnaji: She acted with Mr Ibu in the film International Players (2006), where they played two Nigerian con artists who tried to scam a wealthy foreigner.
