It is a challenging time for the Nollywood industry following the passing of one of its beloved veterans, John Okafor better known as Mr Ibu.
Glamsquad reported on Saturday night that Mr Ibu who has been battling for his life for months passed away.
Emeka Rollas, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, confirmed the passing of Mr Ibu and disclosed that he died of cardiac arrest.
The news of his demise has plunged the industry into mourning, as he was cherished by many and had left an indelible mark on our childhood memories. Figures such as Nkem Owoh-Osuofia, Patience Ozokwo, Destiny Etiko, Mike Ezurounye, Chizzy Alichi, Zubby Michael, Helen Paul, Uche Elendu, Charles Okocha, Mercy Johnson and several others have expressed their grief on their Instagram pages.
Charles Okocha wrote: “This one pain me”
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”.
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”
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”
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”.
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”.
Mike Ezurounye wrote: “People should just learn Humility cos this life ehn. Hmmmm. R.I.P sir”
Mercy Johnson: “It is well… rest on sir”
In October 2023, Mr Ibu appealed to the public for assistance as he fought an illness that threatened amputation.
Nigerian music stars Davido and P-Square, along with well-known figure Tunde Ednut, had pledged to cover the medical costs for the esteemed actor.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki had also stepped in to settle his medical bills through his foundation. Mr Ibu underwent five successful surgeries.
However, a month later, his daughter Jasmine disclosed that one of his legs had to be amputated to improve his chances of recovery, and he underwent a total of seven successful surgeries.
However, his health took a turn for the worse, leading to reports that the actor underwent another amputation of the same leg. Dr. Emeka disclosed that Mr Ibu’s health was declining, rendering him unable to communicate, and resigned to his fate.
Nevertheless, in January, the veteran actor was discharged from the hospital, much to the joy of his fans and well-wishers. His junior colleague, Ken Erics, visited him at his home, further uplifting his spirits.
Sadly, Mr Ibu passed away on 2nd March 2024.
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