The death of Nollywood actor John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu, has thrown Nigeria into mourning.
Mr Ibu, famous for his comic roles, died at 62 after a protracted illness, the Chronicle NG reports.
The actor, whose leg was amputated, has been battling an infection of the arteries at the ankle that was not diagnosed early enough.
The actor’s ill health was brought to light when his family made a public outcry demanding financial assistance for his treatment.
A call that attracted the likes of former Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki, whose foundation cleared the medical bill of the ailing actor.
Reacting to the death of the comic actor, former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani described the death of the veteran actor as “sad and unfortunate.”
In a statement on X, Sani wrote, “The news of the passing away of the comic actor Mr Ibu is sad.
A distinguished artist who made us laugh and lighten up our lives with his unique talent and humorous creativity.
“For decades, he has been a delightful spice in our homes and hearts. It was a great loss to our country and the entertainment industry. May his soul rest in peace.”
In his tribute, Ayodeji Kayode thanked the late actor for putting smiles on the faces of his audience.
“He brought smiles to various households and made growing up fun. Thanks for all you did, and goodnight. Condolences to his family,” Kayode wrote.
Questioning the essence of life, Dr. David Effiong, in his tribute to the late actor, said, “He came, he saw, and he conquered. Rest in peace, Mr Ibu. What is the essence of life?”
In Salami Basorun’s tribute to the funnyman, he wrote, “May his soul rest in peace.
“He came, touched lives, touched homes, turned depression into laughter, and took away sorrow and sadness from many who were sick in hospital beds who watched him through the day and night to give relief and smile away their pain.”
While Matthew Celestine described him as an actor who “played a vital role in the entertainment industry,” Osagie Adams called the late actor “the Mr. Bean of our entertainment industry.”
Mr.. Aniekan Nelson described the death of the actor as a great loss to the entertainment industry.
“After the departure of Sam Loco and Dede Wanne, this is another great loss to the Nollywood industry. May his soul rest in peace,” Nelson wrote.
Describing the late actor as a “dear friend,” Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, in his tribute, wrote, “In loving memory of my dear friend and brother, our finest Nollywood legends, Mr. John Ikechukwu Okafor, A.K.A. Mr Ibu.
“May your soul find eternal peace. Your legacy lives on forever.”
The late actor is survived by his wife, Mrs. Stella Maris Okafor, his children, Oyeabuchi Okafor, Chelsea Okafor, and Jay Jay Okafor, and his adopted daughter, Jasmine Okekeagwu.
