Who was the late Nigerian actor Mr Ibu?

The thespian suffered a cardiac arrest after undergoing a long illness

Legendary Nigeria Actor Mr Ibu
Image: Courtesy

Nigerian actor John Ikechukwu Okafor who was popularly known as Mr. Ibu died on March 2nd after a long health struggle.

So who was he? Below is a quick fact sheet of arguably Nigeria's most popular actor ever.

  • Full Name: John Ikechukwu Okafor
  • Popularly Known As: Mr. Ibu
  • Birthdate: October 17, 1961
  • Death: March 2, 2024 (Age: 62)
  • Nationality: Nigerian
  • Occupation: Actor, Comedian
  • Nollywood Career Highlights:
    • Appeared in over 200 Nollywood films.
    • Notable for roles in the Mr. Ibu film series.
  • Early Life:
    • Faced challenges after his father's death.
    • Worked in various jobs to support education.
  • Career Journey:
    • Started with menial jobs, ventured into hairstyling, and worked in crate production.
    • Enrolled in the College of Education, Yola, and later in the Institute of Management and Technology.
  • Health Challenges:
    • Faced serious health issues, leading to leg amputation in November 2023.
    • Sought public support for medical bills.
  • Advocacy and Views:
    • Described as "Nigeria's Borat."
    • Shared strong views on homosexuality in Nollywood.
  • Personal Life:
    • Married twice, with more than 10 children.
    • Son Daniel and adopted daughter Jasmine faced legal issues in 2024.
  • Legacy:
    • Celebrated for iconic comedic roles.
    • Left a significant impact on the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood).
  • Passing:
    • Passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos.
    • Cause of death: Cardiac arrest.
  • Posthumous Developments:
    • Jasmine, his adopted daughter, renamed his TikTok account posthumously.