The entertainment industry mourns the loss of veteran actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62 in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State.
News of Mr. Ibu's demise began circulating on Saturday evening, and the confirmation came from Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who shared the unfortunate news on his official social media accounts.
In a sorrowful announcement, Mr. Rollas expressed the collective grief within the Actors Guild of Nigeria, noting the loss of not only Mr. Ibu but also the recent passing of Kate Henshaw's mother. According to Mr. Don Single Nwuzor, Mr. Ibu's manager for 24 years, the actor suffered a cardiac arrest, leading to his untimely death.
The late actor had been grappling with severe health issues for several months, including clotting of blood in his leg due to diseased blood vessels and other unusual illnesses. This medical ordeal eventually led to the difficult decision of amputating the affected leg. On October 18, 2023, Mr. Ibu took to his Instagram page, seeking prayers and financial assistance from his fans, and received support from various quarters, including the ABS Foundation, which covered all his medical expenses.
Despite undergoing seven surgeries, Mr. Ibu's family, on November 6, 2023, revealed that one of the actor's legs had been amputated. Subsequent updates on December 17, 2023, indicated that the actor was deemed "Not Fit to Fly," preventing him from seeking additional therapy overseas. The family explained that this decision was a setback, as airlines refused to accommodate his medical condition, rendering the initial plans for overseas treatment null and void.
After the family had earlier announced Mr. Ibu's recovery at one of Nigeria's prominent hospitals, the late actor returned home a month later. His journey was marked by resilience in the face of adversity, and despite the challenges, Mr. Ibu's legacy as a beloved entertainer and his contributions to the Nigerian film industry will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. May his soul rest in peace.
0 Comments