The family of the celebrated Nollywood actor, John Okafor, widely known as Mr. Ibu, has laid him to rest today, June 28, 2024. The burial ceremony is taking place in his hometown, Eziokwe Amuri, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to a family statement released by Sunday Okafor, the late actor’s brother, “The Okafor family of Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State, wishes to honor the loving memory of our hero and legend, who even in death has left a legacy of love, laughter, and liveliness.”
John Okafor passed away on March 2, 2024, after battling a prolonged illness he described as “strange and dangerous.”
John Okafor’s Battle with Illness
In a heartfelt video shared on social media in October 2023, John Okafor appealed to his fans for prayers as he faced a serious health crisis.
He revealed he had been hospitalized for an extended period due to a “strange and dangerous illness.” Okafor disclosed that doctors had suggested amputation as a potential course of action.
“As I speak to you, I am still in the hospital. The medical director of this hospital has stated that the best solution, if their new approach doesn’t yield positive results, is to amputate my leg,” he shared from his hospital bed. Mr. Ibu pleaded with his fans to pray for divine intervention, expressing his strong desire to avoid amputation.
His adopted daughter, Jasmine Okafor, also used social media to seek public support for her father’s medical treatment abroad. Jasmine explained that his condition had deteriorated significantly over two weeks, prompting hospitalization.
“For the past two weeks, daddy has been very unwell, leading us to take him to the hospital. As a family, we initially believed we could manage his condition independently, but his health continued to decline. There were fluctuations in his condition, with moments of seeming improvement followed by setbacks,” Jasmine stated.
She further added, “We are currently at one of the leading private medical facilities in Lagos, but there’s a referral to another hospital because his condition hasn’t improved here.”
This public announcement in October was not the first instance of John Okafor’s health issues becoming public. In March 2022, he had previously disclosed that he suffered from food poisoning.
Tragically, in November, a month after his public plea, John Okafor underwent leg amputation after seven surgeries. Following appeals from his family for financial assistance to cover mounting medical expenses, numerous Nigerians generously donated to support the beloved actor’s treatment. Despite the efforts, he passed away on March 2, 2024.
Remembering John Okafor: Life and Career
Born John Ikechukwu Okafor in October 1961, John Okafor, known by millions as Mr. Ibu, was a celebrated actor, stand-up comedian, and master of ceremonies hailing from Enugu State, in Southeast Nigeria.
His illustrious career spanned hundreds of Nollywood films, both within Nigeria and internationally, most notably the “Mr. Ibu” film series which cemented his iconic status.
John Okafor’s early life saw him working in Sapele to fund his education and support his family, showcasing his resilience and determination from a young age. Before his foray into acting, John Okafor was also involved in sports, working as a football coach, practicing Karate, and boxing, demonstrating his diverse talents and interests.
Mr. Ibu was particularly known for his exceptional comedic facial expressions, a hallmark of his performances that consistently brought laughter to audiences. His comedic talent extended to dance and joke-telling, making him a complete entertainer. In his personal life, John Okafor was married twice and had children from both marriages.
Photos from the Burial Ceremony
Tributes from prominent Nollywood actors and industry figures on the passing of John Okafor.
Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor and fellow actors present to pay their final respects at the burial of Mr. Ibu, John Okafor.
The casket of Mr. Ibu is placed for public viewing during the burial proceedings.
A somber view of Mr. Ibu’s casket as mourners gather to pay their respects.
Mourners, including family and friends, seated at the burial ceremony of John Okafor, Mr. Ibu.
The funeral procession carrying the casket of Mr. Ibu entering his hometown for the burial.
Large crowds gather to observe the vehicles passing during the funeral procession of the late Mr. Ibu.
Crowds of mourners lining the streets to pay their respects as the funeral procession of Mr. Ibu passes.
Community members and fans gather to pay their respects at the burial ceremony of the Nollywood legend, Mr. Ibu.
Vehicles moving in procession as part of the elaborate funeral ceremony for John Okafor, Mr. Ibu.
