Mediaage NG News – LAGOS, Nigeria
Popular Nigerian actor, John Okafor has died at the age of 62 of cardiac arrest.
Okafor also known as Mr. Ibu became famous two decades ago in the film ‘Mr Ibu’ and later became his career-long nickname, still regarded as one of the best Nigerian performances in a comic role.
He died in Lagos.
“I announce with [a] deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it”, President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas said on Saturday.
Mr. Ibu also starred in more than 200 Nollywood films – including Keziah, 9 Wives and several Mr Ibu sequels.
“Rest well, sir,” said actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie in her tribute. Law professor and former UN rapporteur Joy Ezeilo said the actor was a “beloved” figure who “brought laughter to many”.
Nigeria’s Minister of Culture, Hannatu Musawa described the later actor as a household name who brought smiles to lots of Nigerian families throughout his career.
One of his legs was amputated in November last year when his health issues became public. It led to fans donating to a crowd-funding scheme to foot his medical bills.
His son, Daniel Okafor and adopted daughter, Jasmine Chioma were arrested on suspicion of hacking into his phone and taking $60,700 (£47,800) for themselves.
The pair have not commented since their arrest in January and are expected to appear in court on 11 March for the next hearing.
Okafor’s last years were “tumultuous”, Nigeria’s Punch newspaper said, with the actor claiming to have survived several attempts to poison him.
Some media say he is survived by his 13 children