Biography of Mr. Ibu
Known by his stage name Mr. Ibu, John Ikechukwu Okafor (17 October 1961 – 2 March 2024) was a Nigerian comedian and actor. He starred in more than 200 Nollywood productions, including the Mr. Ibu series.
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History and Education
The 17th of October 1961 was John Ikechukwu Okafor’s birthday. He was from Umunekwu, which is now in Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State, in the erstwhile Eastern Region of Nigeria. Following the death of his father in 1974, Okafor relocated to Sapele to live with his brother after finishing elementary school. He worked odd jobs in Sapele to pay for his family’s support and education. After that, he pursued careers as a hairstylist, a photographer, and a crate manufacturer.
He was accepted to the Yola College of Education after completing high school, but he withdrew owing to financial issues.[Reference required] Later, as soon as he could afford it, he enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.
Personal and Family Life
Queen Chioma Egboh is the sole sister of John Okafor that is known to exist, while little else is known about them.
Mr. Ibu is a loving husband and father. He and his wife Stella are parents to three children: Emmanuel, Jay Jay, and Chelsea. He also has other kids from a past relationship, including Jasmine Okafor.
The Daughter: Chelsea Okafor
John Okafor’s eleven-year-old daughter, Chelsea Okafor, was born on September 30, 2011. She still hasn’t established a career and is concentrating on her studies as of 2023.
Profession
Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London (2005), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006), and Keziah (2007) are just a few of the almost 200 Nollywood films in which Okafor has appeared.
Okafor also briefly dabbled in the music industry. He released the singles “This Girl” and “Do You Know” on October 15, 2020.
In 2012, Okafor—dubbed “Nigeria’s Borat”—compared homosexuality in Nollywood to a virus, stating, “If there is any way in this world that people can make them stop it or kill it, please do it.”
Health issues
Okafor disclosed in October 2023 that he was afflicted with a disease that could require the amputation of one of his legs. He claimed that while working on a film set with other Nollywood actors, he became aware of the issue. To pay for his medical expenses, he made a plea to his followers and the general public for money and prayers. In addition, he uploaded a video of himself expressing his fear of losing his limb while lying in a hospital bed.
As of October 18, 2023, the former Nigerian Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation had covered Okafor’s whole medical bill. The organization added that Okafor still needed substantial financial support to be kept alive in the hospital and to enable him to have additional treatment overseas.
Death and Illness
Okafor suffered from a disease that necessitated seven surgeries, and in November 2023, he had his leg amputated. According to his family, the amputation was performed to prolong his life and improve his prognosis.
At the age of 62, Okafor passed away on March 2, 2024. because of a cardiac attack.
