Tributes have begun to pour in for John Okafor, the ace actor fondly called Mr Ibu, who passed away on March 2, 2024.
The film star died at Evercare Hospital in the Lekki axis of Lagos as a result of cardiac arrest. He was 62 years old.
Several Nigerians — including celebrities and politicians — have taken to social media to pay their last respects to the ace actor.
Peter Okoye, one of the Psquare brothers described Ibu as “a brother who will be greatly missed”. Paul Okoye, his brother, also recounted how he stayed with the actor for weeks hoping to see him get better.
“I slept in the hospital with you for several weeks just to be there with you and all .. and you still left God why ??” he wrote on Instagram.
In a post via X, Phyna, the reality TV star, expressed her shock over the demise of Ibu.
In his tribute, Ayo Olaiya, the Nollywood actor, wrote: “End of the road will surely come. The rich will die. The poor will die. The famous will die. The talented will die. The generous will die. The stinging will die. The hardworking will die. The lazy being will die.
“Yet, some people haven’t accepted that death is inevitable. No one will get out of this life alive. E je ka se aye ire ajo laye Good night, great thespians.”
Actress Jaiye Kuti reminisced on some of the times she shared on screen with Ibu.
On its part, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) described Ibu as an actor who “brought immeasurable joy to countless souls”.
“Mr. Ibu’s presence in the Nigerian film industry was not just notable; it was transformative. With his remarkable talent and unparalleled comedic timing, he reshaped the landscape of Nigerian movies, leaving an indelible mark on the industry,’ the statement reads in part.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Ibu brought immeasurable joy to countless souls through his memorable performances. His infectious laughter and boundless energy transcended screens, bringing smiles to faces in every household across Nigeria and beyond.”
Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate at the last general election, were also among the politicians who paid tributes to the veteran actor.
See more tributes below:
The passing of John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu is a sad chapter in Nigerian entertainment history. Let’s take solace in the fact that his works will live on and will inspire generations unborn. RIP to one of the greats. ❤️❤️
Advertisement— Bovi (@officialBovi) March 3, 2024
Sad🥲😭😭😭 uncle John!! May his soul rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/jxQ2PHTJeT
— Funke Akindele (@funkeakindele) March 2, 2024
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Can’t believe I woke up and first thing I’m seeing is Mr Ibu gone💔💔💔💔
Omo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!— UNUSUALPHYNA🎙 (@unusualphyna) March 3, 2024
Rest well Mr Ibu.
We will definitely miss you! 🕊️🕯️🕯️🕯️🙏🏽💔 #RIP. pic.twitter.com/FyfczEntxO— Peter Okoye MrP (@PeterPsquare) March 2, 2024
In loving memory of my dear friend and brother, our finest Nollywood legends, Mr. John Ikechukwu Okafor A.K.A Mr Ibu
May your soul find eternal peace. Your legacy lives on forever 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/rEd0c5LbN4
— Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Bello, CON (@OfficialGYBKogi) March 3, 2024
Just as I tweeted my condolence on the death of Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri, a lot of people, through my comments section, called my attention to the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu. pic.twitter.com/IPLUNDl9o0
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 3, 2024
Saddened to hear that one of Africa’s well known entertainers and Nigerian comedian, Mr. Ibu has died.
The popular Nollywood comedy actor John Okafor who was popularly known as Mr. Ibu died from a cardiac arrest on Saturday.
He is one of the few African actors who achieved fame… pic.twitter.com/YkVKCkOqUa
— Hopewell Chin’ono (@daddyhope) March 3, 2024
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