The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has confirmed the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, revealing that he died after he suffered a cardiac arrest.
The president of the association, Emeka Rollas Ejezie via his verified Instagram page revealed that Mr Ibu passed yesterday, March 2 after he had cardiac arrest.
Ejezie noted that Ibu’s death coincided with the death of Kate Henshaw’s mother who also breathed her last today.
“Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it.May his soul rest in peace,” he said in the statement released.
Mr Ibu battled with constant clotting of blood on his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health challenges for years.
The actor is survived by his wife and children. He was 62 years old.
He was very famous for his sterling interpretation of humorous roles in movies.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that n October 2023, the actor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that threatened to amputate one of his legs. He said he was struck by the problem while on a movie set with other Nollywood actors and actresses.
It will be recalled that at the time, the actor had appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills. He also shared a video of himself lying in a hospital bed, expressing his fear of losing his leg.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that in November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.
His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery.
The actor had acted in more than 200 Nollywood movies including Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr.Ibu in London (2005), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).