In a recent development, the Nollywood community is grieving the loss of John Okarfor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, at the age of 62.
The veteran actor, renowned for his comedic prowess, passed away at Evercare Hospital, as confirmed by sources close to him.
Fans have flooded social media platforms, particularly X, with heartfelt condolences and fond memories of the late actor’s iconic roles.
The circumstances surrounding Mr Ibu’s demise remain unclear, with no official statement from his family or representatives.
Reports indicate that the actor faced health challenges since October 2023, undergoing multiple surgeries, including the amputation of his leg. Updates from his family in November suggested a recovery, adding an element of complexity to the news.
This unfortunate event follows closely on the heels of the recent passing of another Nollywood veteran, Quadri Oyebamiji, known as Sisi Quadri, within the last 24 hours.
Mr Ibu had previously made headlines in 2019, alleging a poisoning attempt orchestrated by his kinsmen due to his successful career. In May 2022, he spoke about a third alleged poisoning incident, revealing his near-death experience in an interview with newsmen.
Despite the challenges, the late actor remained resilient, expressing gratitude to doctors for saving his life. Notable figures in Nollywood are paying tribute to Mr Ibu by posting lit candles in his memory, underscoring the profound impact he had on the industry.
He said, “My illness was perpetrated by people that hate me. They did what they did to me. Later, I was taken to the hospital. The doctors are prophets. So, they went into my system and they told me what was wrong and what they were going to do. I said ‘Whatever you are going to do, please, do it, let me live because if I die like this the enemies will laugh’. And then the doctors said ‘Okay, there’s no problem’.
However, several notable Nollywood figures have posted lighted candles on his behalf to mourn the actor
