By Osita Chinedu
Prominent Nigerians have continued to pour in their condolences to mourn the passing of legendary Nollywood actor, John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
Among the list of frontline Nigerians mourning the thespian was the President, Ahmed bola Tinubu, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, he commiserated with Mr. Ibu’s family and described him as a gifted thespian who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of his genius.
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential elections in Nigeria, Peter Gregory Obi on his X (formerly twitter) handle prayed for God’s consolation to the family of the bereaved and entire country at large and described the actor’s death as a huge loss to the entertainment industry and the nation as well.
“When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.
“His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artistes who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all weather the dark storms of life.
“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days and the entire Nollywood family,” wrote Obi, referring to the passing of another Nollywood actor, Tolani Oyebamiji Quadri popularly known as Sisi Quadri who died a day earlier.
Also, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election who spoke on his X handle described Ibu’s passing as a huge loss to the entertainment industry and the entire nation and prayed for God to console all in this difficult moment.
The Minister for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Musawa Hannatu while commiserating with the deceased’s family described Ibu’s passing as a sad one for everybody in the entertainment industry.
Speaking through Nneka Anibueze, her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hannatu described the actor as a household name who had made families happy throughout his acting career.
“His death at this time is a very unfortunate and sad one for us all in the entertainment industry. We will sorely miss him. May his soul rest in peace,” she said.
John Okafor, 62 was said to have died on Saturday, March 2, 2024 after a protracted illness that led to the amputation of one of his legs late last year.
According to the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, who confirmed the news on an Instagram post, “Mr. Ibu suffered cardiac arrest while receiving treatment at the hospital and couldn’t make it.
“Sad day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother today and Mr. Ibu suffered cardiac arrest, according to his manager, Mr. Don Single Nwuzor.
“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr. Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace,” Rollas announced on IG.
There has been an endless queue of actors, producers and other colleagues in the Nollywood entertainment industry who has taken to their various social media platforms to express grief over the demise of Mr. John Okafor (Mr. Ibu) among whom are Nkem Owoh (Osuofia), Charles Inojie, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, among numerous others.
