Popular Nollywood actor John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, has died at the age of 62.
Okafor who had been ill since October 2023 was said to have died of cardiac arrest on Saturday, March 2, in Evercare hospital in Lekki, after being moved to the intensive care unit a few days ago.
Okafor was widely recognized for his comedic roles in numerous films, including “Mr. Ibu,” which became his career-long nickname. Some of his other notable films include “The Eve,” “London Fever,” “Issakaba,” “Mr. Ibu and His Son,” and many more.
President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, confirmed the news on his official social media handles.
“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace. Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest, according to his manager for 24 years,” Mr Rollas wrote.
According to reports the late actor battled with clotting of blood in his leg, stemming from diseased blood vessels and other strange illnesses for months, which led to the amputation of the affected leg.
In December 2023, the family said the actor was unable to fly overseas for the additional therapy because doctors deemed him ‘Not Fit to Fly.’
This, the family said, nullified his treatment overseas because it was challenging due to the airlines’ refusal to fly him.
The late Mr Ibu returned home a month after his family announced his recovery at one of Nigeria’s largest and finest hospitals