Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has warned people not to use Mr Ibu’s illness to chase clout on social media. In reaction to those pointing at Mr Ibu’s colleagues and accusing them of deserting the comic film star.
Earlier in the week, veteran Nigerian comic actor John Okafor, fondly known as Mr Ibu, shared a video announcing to his fans that he had been diagnosed with an illness that he did not disclose.
Mr Ibu stated that his doctor has said that if the prescribed medications do not work, his leg will be amputated. He solicited help while asking for prayers to overcome his predicament.
Chronicle NG learned that Mr Ibu is likely suffering from a diabetes-related ailment, which leaves him with the options of full recovery through prescribed medications or amputation, as feared.
The video, which came as a shock to people, has sparked different opinions, with some, like Reno Omokri and Uche Maduagwu, slamming the actor’s colleagues for neglecting him in his time of need.
Kanayo said, both in English and Igbo, in part, “Hello friends, good morning. As actors, our hearts go out to our very dear colleague, John Okafor (Mr Ibu). His family has been doing their very best since he was reported sick last year, and now they have come out to say that they have done their best and need public support. It is not, in any sense, wrong,” he said on the video posted on his Instagram page.
“Would you feel bad or better if we kept quiet and allowed our colleague to die? I condemn, in strict terms, Reno Omokri, who is calling Peter Obi’s name, and so on. It is not a friendly thing; it is wicked, and for the other guy, I think Uche Maduagwu talked about shame on top actors. Shame on you too. I say shame on you because you don’t have any value or level to call our names.
The actor further stated, “It is an individual thing to support a colleague. It becomes a collective, like the Actors Guild of Nigeria, of those who have tried their best in such a limited time. Don’t forget that some people like to give privately as individuals without their names being mentioned. We will, as individuals, support our colleague. We will, as individuals, support our colleague.
“Nobody should use this as a platform to castigate, impugn, or indict those who have not given. It is wrong, and we don’t support it. This is a warning: if you want to give, give. We, as ‘top actors’ as you call us, give at our own levels. It is not very beneficial or important when we announce it.
“Don’t use our colleague’s name, John Okafor (Mr Ibu), to trend just because you want a name. Stop seeking attention.” (sic)
