Ikechuwku John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu succumbed to death due to cardiac arrest on March 2, 2024 months after his leg was amputated. 

His death has thrown Nollywood and the entire country into mourning as they reminisce about his impact and achievement in the entertainment industry.

Mr Ibu is a man who’s loved by many for his sense of humor, hilarious personality, and liveliness. The veteran actor was an embodiment of exceptional talent and that was why former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar said he would be greatly missed and that his death is a great loss in Nollywood.

Mr Ibu Biography/Wikipedia

John Okafor was born on October 17, 1961, in Enugu where he had his primary and secondary school education. He’s a native of Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State.

He attended the College Of Education in Yola but dropped out due to financial constraints.

Mr Ibu later completed his tertiary education at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu State.

John’s father was poisoned in 1974 and so he relocated to Sapele, Delta State where he did menial jobs to survive. The comic actor started acting in 1983 and rose to fame in 2004 for his lead role in “Ibu” alongside talented veteran actor, Osita Iheme. 

Left, John Okafor’s first son, Valentine Okafor, Right, Mr Ibu with his family

Since then, he has experienced massive progress in his acting career and continued to break boundaries, imprinting his aura of happiness on his fans.

Ibu celebrated 40 years on screen in September 2023.

Despite being successful and famous, his life was filled with ups and downs and life-threatening challenges. In an old video, he said his father was poisoned, one of his elder brothers was poisoned, and he was also poisoned but he survived it as he was taken somewhere to vomit the poisonous substance.

Mr Ibu got sick around 2022 and recovered. He was later admitted to the hospital in October 2023. While receiving treatment, the Doctor suggested that they amputate his leg to recover quickly. 

During the period, he solicited funds and Nigerians raised over N300 million for him. 

John Okafor with his look-alike son, Jeffrey Okafor

Also, former senate president, Bukola Saraki Foundation took charge of his medical bills and urged Nigerians to remember him in their prayers. But he later struggled with his life and died of cardiac arrest.

A series of controversies sprouted during the period of fundraising as his adopted daughter, Jasmine Chioma Okafor, and his son, Daniel were accused of siphoning a chunk of the money to acquire a mansion.  

His wife, Stella was also accused of putting an eye on the money, wanting her share, instead of bothering about her husband’s health.

Many claimed that they were all after the money and not after his well-being.

After his death, Jasmine triggered outrage after she changed Mr Ibu’s Tiktok account to hers and deleted all his photos; a move people saw as strange and mischievous.

Mr. Ibu with with adopted daughter

Chioma Jasmine was seen as the bad egg as he once had a clash with Ibu’s wife, Stella Okafor who refuted that she wasn’t Mr Ibu’s daughter, accusing her of sleeping with him.

The veteran comic actor married twice and has more than 10 children. Stella welcomed 3 children with him. He will be greatly missed as his legacy lives on.

One of his sons, Emmanuel Mandela Okafor died of an unknown illness in 2012.

Mr Ibu with his wife

Is Mr Ibu Death/Burial?

Mr Ibu died at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, and his body was moved to his hometown in Enugu on March 4, 2024.

The burial arrangement will be announced soon.

When Did Mr Ibu Pass Away?

He passed away on March 2, 2024 at age 62, in Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos State.

Wife/Children/Sister

Mr Ibu got married to Stella Maris Okafor in 2015 after his separation from his 1st wife. According to Wikipedia, he has more than 10 children but Stella has 3 for him, namely Chelsea Okafor, Chibuzor Okafor, and Jeffery Okafor.

Chelsea was born on September 29, 2011, Chibuzor was born on August 22, 2013, and Jeffery was born on February 6, 2016.

Mr Ibu has a younger sister, Queen Egboh Grace Chioma aka Chigolden. She’s a media consultant, blogger, and general contractor. Chioma is the CEO of Chigolden Global Limited. She’s a very successful and accomplished woman.

Net-worth

Mr Ibu was sick for more than a decade of his life and spent all his life savings treatment. But got financial assistance from many well-to-do Nigerians when he was alive. He has a house where his 3 children with his wife, Stella reside.

May His Soul Rest In Peace