Veteran Nollywood actor and comedian, John Okafor, famously known as Mr Ibu is dead.
The 62-year-old actor, renowned for his comedic flair, died at Evercare Hospital, in Lagos on Saturday, March 2, 2024, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas confirmed.
“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu did not make it. May his soul rest in peace,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
The veteran actor had been battling illness, undergoing multiple surgeries and receiving ongoing medical care in his quest for recovery since last year. The family disclosed that Mr Ibu's leg had been amputated in November.
Mr Ibu's journey in the Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, was marked by a plethora of memorable performances that endeared him to audiences both locally and internationally.
His distinctive style and infectious humour made him a household name, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans across generations.
He has starred in movies including A Fool At 40, Police Recruit, Mr Ibu in London and Issakaba.