Mr. Ibu: A tribute to a late Nollywood icon

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Late Mr. Ibu was one of the most celebrated and beloved actors in Nigeria. He became famous for his hilarious roles in comedy movies, frequently portraying a mischievous or juvenile character.

He made millions of Nigerians laugh with his antics and expressions, earning him the nickname Mr. Ibu, after his breakthrough movie of the same name.

Mr. Ibu was born John Ikechukwu Okafor on October 17, 1961, in Enugu State. He had a humble background and faced many challenges in his early life. He worked as a hairdresser, a butcher, and a firewood seller before he ventured into acting. Mr. Ibu joined Nollywood in 1978 and started with minor roles in soap operas and dramas.

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Mr. Ibu rose to fame in 2004, when he starred in the movie Mr. Ibu, alongside Osita Iheme. The movie was a huge success and established him as a comic star. He went on to act in more than 200 movies, including Mr. Ibu and His Son, Police Recruit, Mr. Ibu in London, Husband Suppliers, and many others. He also produced and wrote some of his movies.

Mr. Ibu was not only an actor, but also a singer and a philanthropist. He released two singles in 2020, titled This Girl and Do You Know. He also supported various causes and charities, especially for children and the less privileged. Mr. Ibu received several honors and accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry and society.

Mr. Ibu married Stella Maris Okafor and they had three children together. He was a devoted husband and father, who loved his family dearly. He was also a man of faith, who believed in God and prayed regularly.

Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62. He died of cardiac arrest at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, after battling ill-health for several months. He had suffered from an infection of the arteries at his ankle, which led to the amputation of one of his legs in November 2023.

Mr. Ibu’s death is a great loss to Nollywood and Nigeria as a whole. His fans, colleagues, friends, and family mourned his passing, recalling him for his kindness, generosity, humor, and talent. He left a legacy of laughter and joy that people will never forget.