Key facts to know about Late John Okafor, alias Mr. Ibu

The Nigerian film industry is grieving once again with the news of the passing of beloved comic actor John Okafor, also known as Mr Ibu. 

Reports indicate that the talented actor lost his battle with blood clotting in his leg and passed away in a Lagos hospital on Saturday, March 2.

In November 2023, the late actor underwent a second surgery to address ongoing blood clotting in his leg, which ultimately led to the decision to amputate the limb. Despite efforts to arrange for medical treatment abroad, doctors deemed the actor, survived by his wife and children, too fragile to travel.

As we mourn the actor, whose career began on December 3, 1978, here are some key facts you may not know about him:

- Originally from Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State, Okafor relocated to Sapele in 1974 to live with his brother following his father's passing.

- In Sapele, he took on various odd jobs to pay for his education and support his family, including working as a hairstylist, photographer, and at a crate production company.

- Despite being admitted to the College of Education, Yola after completing secondary school, Okafor had to withdraw due to financial constraints.

- He eventually attended the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu once he was able to afford it.

- Mr Ibu has appeared in over 200 Nollywood films.

- In addition to his acting career, he briefly pursued music. On October 15, 2020, he released two songs titled "This Girl" and "Do You Know.

To our dearest Mr Ibu, RIP Legend.
Drop a ‘❤️’ for Mr John Okafor. pic.twitter.com/k20kjDRizi

— Efa 🇳🇬 (@efalebo) March 2, 2024

Chelsea family, we lost one of our own today.
Let's pay tribute to John Okafor aka Mr Ibu an ardent Chelsea fan. May his soul RIP. #CFC 💙@ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/eebE96qa9N

— Red Rose🌹 Chelsea First Lady (@Roseangel009) March 2, 2024

Rest In Power, Veteran actor John Okafor ( Mr Ibu ) 🕯️🕊

Thank you for making our childhood fun 🤍✌ pic.twitter.com/QTJ3fOoAh6

— EMA💫 (@emadeyforyou) March 2, 2024

Last birthday mr Ibu celebrated 😣

So sad , Even at this point he was struggling , God bless his soul

John okafor , Rip , Madrid Chioma , timini ,
pic.twitter.com/U3mfZqedZ6

— Highlife (@Tioluwalope0) March 2, 2024

In memory of Mr. John Okafor, here’s a thread of some of his most Hilarious Scenes😭😂

1: Mr Ibu as a Chelsea fan pic.twitter.com/rEfylPWjrn

— Ebenz™️🧸 (@NobleBenz) March 2, 2024

Mr Ibu the popular comedian is dead 😭 RIP Legend John Okafor #shiba pic.twitter.com/P8Me4dOfKv

— Engr. Olalekan Ilesanmi (@lekuwe) March 2, 2024

"

#JohnOkafor

#Mr.Ibu

#Nollywood