Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actor Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has confirmed the passing of actor John Okafor, widely known as Mr. Ibu.
In an Instagram post, Rollas disclosed that the actor, who had been battling illness for several months, succumbed to cardiac arrest.
“Sad day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr Rollas’ post read.
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In October 2023, family of the actor revealed that he had been battling some health issues and had undergone multiple surgeries.
Mr. Ibu, aged 62, breathed his last on Saturday, March 2. He had been hospitalized for two weeks due to a severe ailment, which he described as “strange and dangerous.”
Despite hoping for a swift recovery, Mr. Ibu underwent a leg amputation on November 6, 2023, following a plea for prayers and financial support from his fans.
His family, in an Instagram announcement, clarified that the decision for the amputation aimed to enhance his chances of recovery, though it was a challenging and complex procedure.
On December 17, 2023, the family disclosed the reason behind their inability to fly him abroad for further treatment, citing medical restrictions on his fitness to travel and airlines’ refusal to accommodate him due to health risks.
Contrary to earlier speculation of diabetes, the family revealed that Mr. Ibu’s illness primarily involved persistent blood clotting in his leg caused by diseased blood vessels, compounded by other health complications endangering his life.
Discharged in January, Mr. Ibu was visited by fellow Nollywood actor Ken Erics during his recuperation.
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Before his demise, the Enugu-born actor had graced the screens in over 200 Nollywood productions, including notable titles like “Mr Ibu” (2004), “Mr Ibu and His Son,” “Coffin Producers,” “Husband Suppliers,” “International Players,” “Mr Ibu in London” (2004), “Police Recruit” (2003), “9 Wives” (2005), “Ibu in Prison” (2006), and “Keziah” (2007).
