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Nigerian comic actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has reacted to the recent public appeal made by Stella Maris Okafor, widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, questioning the circumstances that led to the family’s financial struggles.
His comments followed a video shared on Wednesday by influencer King Mitchy, in which Stella Maris spoke about the challenges she and her children have reportedly faced since the actor’s death.
In the emotional video, the widow said she had been unable to meet several household responsibilities, revealing that unpaid bills had left the family without electricity while the children’s school attendance had also been affected.
She explained that the family had struggled with rent, school fees and other daily expenses and appealed for support.
Reacting publicly, Tenkobo criticised the decision to present the situation in a way he suggested could create the impression that Mr Ibu did not make financial preparations for his family during his lifetime.
Describing himself as not only a colleague but also someone who maintained a close personal relationship with the late actor, Tenkobo argued that the appeal raised questions that deserved answers.
According to him, family members should not depend entirely on public sympathy because of their connection to a well-known figure.
Questioning the appeal, he said:
“Does it mean that because you are the wife of a legend, you should not work, get handwork, or have something doing? What if Ibu is not an actor?”
Tenkobo also claimed that after watching the video, he reached out to one of Mr Ibu’s sons, Valentine Okafor.
According to him, the discussion became emotional and strengthened his concerns about how the family’s situation was being presented publicly.
“Guys, that’s the voice of Mr Ibu’s first son, Valentine Okafor. He is in his late 30s, if he is not yet 40. Because when I saw the video by Stella, I vex. I had to call the boy and I said, ‘See wetin I see.’ The boy broke down,” he said.
Reflecting on his relationship with the late actor, Tenkobo said their connection developed over many years and extended beyond professional collaboration.
“My relationship with Okafor started from colleagues to friends, from friends to father and son, and from father and son to partners in crime. That’s how much my relationship with him grew,” he said.
He further alleged that this was not the first time similar public appeals had been made.
According to Tenkobo, he had previously questioned a comparable situation while Mr Ibu was still alive.
“Now, this video wey Stella do is not her first. Stella has done this type of video before, even when Mr Ibu was alive. That time the man dey alive and I asked am, ‘Baba, why this kind thing?’ Me and am discussed am, everything end.”
Tenkobo also rejected suggestions that Mr Ibu failed to build financial security during his career.
He claimed the actor invested in properties and made deliberate efforts to support members of his family and people around him.
“I’m not angry if you came out to solicit for help. But presenting it as if the man did not leave anything behind, did not plan his life well, or did not invest.”
He continued by raising questions about assets he alleged the actor acquired during his lifetime.
“The question now is, who sold all his landed properties that he invested in? He bought plenty of lands and houses. Did he sell them before he died? No be una still sell all his properties? After selling those properties, what did you do with the money?”
Addressing members of the public who may wish to support the family, Tenkobo urged them not to assume Mr Ibu left no financial legacy behind.
“So, my people. Anybody that wants to help Stella should not help her with the mindset that Ibu did not invest or leave anything behind. Ibu did well. He planned his life well.”
As of the time of this report, Stella Maris had not publicly responded to Tenkobo’s comments and allegations.
Watch him speak below…
#Tenkobo
#MrIbu
#NollywoodTimes
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