John Okafor alias Mr Ibu
For most of the last three decades when Nigerian Nollywood films filtered through Africa’s porous borders, many actors have come and gone.
Some became sleek celebrities. Others disappeared in the crowds.
Mr Ibu?
He retained his forte: Often appearing in skits as a drunk poor man or just a street fool who could be used.
Those skits became popular as social media grew, and everyone laughed.
Born John Okafor on October 17, 1961, Ibu didn’t start as a film star. In fact, he went to the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu, Nigeria
He was from Umunekwu in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Nigeria’s South East Enugu State.
After his father died, Okafor moved to Sapele in South South Delta state in 1974 to stay with his brother where he did menial jobs so he could send himself to school and support his family.
He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produced crates.
As Nigerian Nollywood films started to grow, buoyed initially by piracy and later by social media, Ibu found his calling, appearing in movies that told social problems in Nigeria, but actually in Africa, as well as comedies.
On Saturday (March 2, 2024), he died from cardiac complications, having been ailing for several months.
The veteran comedian passed away at Evercare Hospital.
Mr Ibu’s death came just a day after another popular Nollywood Actor, Tolani Oyebamiji aka Sisi Quadri exited the stage after a short illness…….CONTINUE READING……