Nollywood has lost one of its legendary comedians, Mr Ibu, whose real name is John Okarfor. According to reports from sources close to him, Mr Ibu passed away at Evercare Hospital. Fans have taken to social media to express their condolences, reminiscing on the movies the late actor has featured in.
Confirming his death, the President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, posted a message on his Facebook page, saying, "Sad day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it."
Mr Ibu had been battling health issues since October 2023 and had undergone multiple surgeries that led to the amputation of his leg. However, updates from his family in November indicated he was recovering. His family and representatives have yet to comment publicly on his passing.
The news of Mr Ibu's death comes less than 24 hours after the demise of another Veteran Nollywood Actor, Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri.
In 2019, Mr Ibu alleged that his kinsmen paid some of his domestic workers to poison him because of his successful career. He reiterated this claim in May 2022, stating that he was poisoned for the third time. In an interview with Vanguard, Mr Ibu disclosed that he was already “seeing people on the other side” but God brought him back to life.