Mr Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Mr John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.
This is even as filmmakers, industry watcher and fans of Nollywood continue to pay tributes to the late veteran actor.
Recall Mr Ibu died on Saturday, March 2, aged 62. The death of the comic actor was announced by Emeka Rollas, National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) on his Instagram page on Saturday.
Rollas said that Mr Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor.
In a condolence message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi stated that Mr Ibu’s death was a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry but to the nation.
“His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy, and spread happiness.
“When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.
“Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.
“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days, and the entire Nollywood family.
“We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Nollywood veteran actor, Kenneth Okonkwo has also mourned the death of Mr Ibu.
Okonkwo, a renowned actor, lawyer and chieftain of the Labour Party, took his Instagram page @iamkennethokonkwo to bid Mr Ibu farewell, saying he has lost a friend, brother and colleague.
He said that Ibu started his acting career under his watch, adding that it was painful to bid him goodbye.
According to him, Mr Ibu captured the world with his splendid performance in comedy, by carving his own unique path in Nollywood and succeeded on his own peculiar terms at his own pace.
“Farewell to John Okafor (Ibu), just lost a friend, brother and colleague. His footprint will remain indelible on the sands of Nollywood.
”May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing,” he wrote.
Nollywood filmmakers, fans pay tribute to Mr Ibu
Industry stakeholders, eminent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, are among those who have mourned the late thespian.
However, amidst the shock, fans and filmmakers, especially those that have worked closely with Okafor, have extolled the life and times of the comic actor in the Nigerian film industry.
While some continued to buzz social media with posts of scintillating memories of the actor, others who spoke on Sunday said his exit has created a vast vacuum in the entertainment Industry.
Blessing Ebigieson, National President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), said although Nollywood was currently mourning, the passion and resilience of the late actor would not be forgotten in hurry.
“Mr Ibu fought to stay alive, his friends also fought for him, everyone donated to make sure that he stayed alive but when God says it is time, nothing one can do.
“It would have been fine if he stayed alive after all the stress and pains he went through, but who am I to question God.
“We have lost a veteran and this is very heartbreaking to us; may his soul rest in peace.
“I pray his family come together as one in this trying period and let the man rest in peace,” she said.
Also, Emma Eyaba, Chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) FCT chapter, said the late actor played key role in the progressive trajectory of Nigerian film industry and would be greatly missed.
He said Okafor was passionate with his job even in his down-moments, adding that he was supposed to feature in the sequel of the 2001 Nollywood classic ‘Issakaba’, where he was among the cast.
“You know he has been away from the public for some time now as he was recuperating and still receiving treatment.
“He was trying to get himself back before that attack came again, and unfortunately we lost him.
“He was supposed to be part of shooting of ‘Issakaba’ , a film in which he featured 23 years ago, but because ill health, we could not even have access to him,”he said.
The late actor’s fan on X (formerly twitter) @Adele_lide said : “Rip to the finest actor of all time.You made our childhood memorable.
Also, @Probal_Labs wrote: “This is a major loss. Amazing childhood memories watching his movies.May his soul rest in peace.”
Another fan, @Kontrolla19 wrote: “The mostfunniest man in Nigeria is dead.RIP legend.”
More tributes for Nollywood icon late Mr Ibu
Meanwhile, more tributes continue to pour in for the late Nollywood icon.
Some Nollywood stars continue to pay tribute to Mr John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu following his passing.
Actor Ime Bishop Umoh wrote, “My dear friend and brother John, your valor in the battle of life was unmatched.
“Your humor, so elite and effortless, lit up our world like a beacon.’ What a humor smith you were! The memories we shared are etched in our hearts and minds, immortalising you even as you rest.
“Thank you brother, may you slumber peacefully Mr Ibu. Live on. forever big brother, go make the angels laugh.”
Comedian actor Bovi Ugboma wrote, “The passing of John Okafor aka Mr Ibu is asadd chapter in Nigerian entertainment history. Let’s take solace in the fact that his work will live and will inspire generations unborn. RIP to one of the great”.
Veteran actor Babajide Kosoko wrote, “Goodbye Mr Ibu, you have done your bit . God knows best”.
Actress Funke Akindele wrote, “Uncle John!!! May his soul rest in peace”.
Mercy Johnson Okojie wrote, ” It is well…..Rest well sir.
Patience Ozokwo wrote, ” Where O death is your victory? Where I death is your sting? 1 Corinthians 15 vs 55, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more noise, everlasting peace.
Osuofia Nkem Owoh wrote, ” Gone from our sights but never from our hearts. We hold you close in our thoughts. RIP 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.
Mike Ezurounye wrote,” People should just learn humility because this life hmmmmRest in peace.
Born John Okafor on October 17, 1961 in Nkanu West Local Government of Enugu State, Mr Ibu was an actor, singer and comedian, acclaimed to have appeared in over 200 Nollywood films.
He is well known for the ‘Mr. Ibu series’, which include Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London (2005).
Some of his iconic films include Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).
Okafor also ventured into music for a short period of time, as he released his debute songs titled “This girl” and “Do you know” in October 2020.
In October 2023,Okafor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that threatened to make it necessary to amputate one of his legs.
He said he was struck by the problem while on a movie set with other actors, and appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills.
In November 2023, he underwent a leg amputation, as his family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery.