Popular Nollywood comedy actor John Okafor colloquially known as Mr. Ibu has died on Saturday while receiving treatment at a hospital in Lagos.
Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, confirmed Mr Ibu’s death, revealing that the actor succumbed to a cardiac arrest on Saturday, March 2.
“I announce with deep sense of grief that Ibu didn’t make it. Mr Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years,” President Rollas said on his Instagram page.
The actor, known for his comedic skills and unforgettable performances, had endeared himself to audiences at home and abroad.
Concerns about Mr Ibu’s health had surfaced in December 2023 after his family released a statement about his condition.
Despite assurances of his wellbeing following an amputation, it seems the actor’s health problems have finally taken their toll.
The statement released by the family shed light on Mr Ibu’s health problems, revealing that the amputation was necessitated by severe blood clotting in his leg, coupled with other underlying conditions.
“The first amputation didn’t completely correct his health predicament so the doctors had to go ahead to amputate the same leg further to ensure we didn’t lose him,” the statement read.
Despite medical intervention, including several operations, the actor’s health continued to deteriorate.
“Daddy’s cause of illness is not diabetes either, but he has had constant clotting of the blood in his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health problems that have put his life at risk, hence the need for the amputation,” the family statement stressed.
Following the initial amputation, Mr Ibu’s health did not improve significantly, leading to further medical interventions.
Despite efforts to manage his condition, including specialised care from medical professionals, the actor succumbed to his illness.
