Popular Nigerian actor Mr Ibu passes on aged 62

Famous Nollywood actor and comedian, John Ikechukwu Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, has died at the age of 62.
The renowned actor, who graced movie screens for more than two decades, passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Mr. Ibu had been admitted to the hospital for several months, undergoing surgery for blood clotting in his leg due to diseased blood vessels.
This, along with other illnesses, resulted in the amputation of his affected leg in November last year.
He was reported to be making progress over the past few weeks.
News of his death has sent shockwaves across social media, with fans expressing their condolences to the Okafor family following their great loss.
Mr Ibu, famously known as Mr Ibu, was a Nigerian actor, producer, writer, and comedian.
Born on October 17, 1961, in Enugu State, Mr Ibu was 62 years old as of 2023.
The veteran actor is considered one of Nigeria’s most talented comic actors. His ability to project humor with a funny look and imitate imbecility gave him an edge over others in the Nigerian comic movie industry.
After completing his secondary school education, Mr Ibu got admitted to the College of Education, Yola, but dropped out due to financial constraints.
He later enrolled at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, to pursue a degree.
John Okafor joined the Nigerian movie industry in 1998 but struggled to secure lucrative roles initially.
However, he rose to prominence in 2004 for his role in the blockbuster comic movie, “Mr. Ibu,” where he played the role of the father of a troublesome son, portrayed by Osita Iheme.
The duo’s chemistry made the movie a nationwide hit and earned Mr. Ibu the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Comic Actor in Nigeria in 2005.
Okafor appeared in more than 200 Nollywood movies, including “Mr Ibu and His Son,” “Coffin Producers,” “Husband Suppliers,” “International Players,” “Mr. Ibu in London,” “Police Recruit,” “9 Wives,” “Ibu in Prison,” and “Keziah.” He was happily married with children.
Mr. Ibu’s unique style and infectious humor made him not only a movie legend in Nigeria but also across Africa.
He received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Comic Actor in Nigeria.
He was also honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).