It is a heartbreaking time for the Nollywood Industry following the death of beloved veteran, John Okafor better known as Mr Ibu.
Tontrends reported on Saturday evening that the veteran actor, who has been battling for his life for months, had kicked the bucket. The news was made known by a healthcare worker, where the actor was said to have kicked his last bucket.
The president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas while confirming his death revealed that he died of Cardiac Arrest.
His death has thrown the industry into mourning as he was the beloved of many and had made our childhood memorable. The likes of Nkem Owoh-Osuofia, Patience Ozokwo, Destiny Etiko, Mike Ezurounye, Chizzy Alichi, Zubby Michael, Helen Paul, Uche Elendu, and others have taken to their Instagram pages to mourn him.
Uche Elendu wrote, “Hmmmm I’m completely speechless! Death where is they sting? Mr Ibu you fought a good fight but God knows best. This one pains me ooo. It’s a hugeeeee loss.
Rest in peace, Mr Ibu.
You left a mark that can never be erased. It is well with your Family”.
Patience Ozokwo wrote, “Where, O Death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?
1 Corinthians 15:55
No more pain.
No more sorrow.
No more noise
Everlasting pain”.
Osuofia Nkem Owoh wrote, “Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. We hold you close in our thoughts. R.I.P Mr Ibu”
Helen Paul wrote, “What is hardest to accept about the passage of time is that the people who once mattered the most to us end up in a blink.
The legendary Mr Ibu.
May your soul rest in peace”
Zubby Michael wrote, “Alumelu
Destiny Etiko wrote, “This shouldn’t be true.
This guy me differently. God. RIP Our Legend”
Chizzy Alichi wrote, “Words fail me.
I prayed and hoped that it was all rumour.
Rest well”.
Mike Ezurounye wrote, “People should just learn Humility cos this life ehn. Hmmmm. R.I.P sir
May Edochie wrote, “After all the pain, after Al the struggles. Sometimes I’m tempted to ask, what really is the essence of life? Truly, we are like pencils in the hands of God.
What a great loss. RIP Mr. Ibu! Dear Lord, pls grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss”.
Recall that in October, last year, Mr Ibu had cried out to the public for help as he battled an ailment that could get him amputated.
Nigerian music sensations Davido and P-Square, along with the popular personality Tunde Ednut, had offered to cover the medical expenses of the legendary actor. Former senate president, Bukola Saraki had cleared off his medical bills through his foundation.
The actor underwent 5 surgeries which were all successful. A month later, Jasmine, his daughter revealed that one of his legs had to be cut to increase his chances of recovery, and he had undergone 7 successful surgeries.
Unfortunately, his health deteriorated and it was reported that the actor had the same leg amputated again. Dr Emeka revealed that his health was deteriorating as he was unable to talk and had resigned the actor to fate.
However, in January, the veteran was discharged from the hospital to the excitement of his fans and lovers, and his junior colleague, Ken Erics paid him a visit at his home.
Ken Erics, via his Instagram page, shared a video of him visiting the veteran actor as he paid respect to him.