Mr Ibu used humour to promote unity in Africa, says bereaved manager

Dominic Nwuzor, the manager of Mr Ibu, says the later actor used humour to promote peace and unity across Africa.

Mr Ibu, born John Okafor, passed away on March 2. He was aged 62.

Nwuzor, who is the CEO of Don Singles International (DSI), spoke in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Sunday.

He said Mr Ibu used his craft to make people happy and reconcile warring communities across the continent.

Nwuzor added that the comic actor was given several honours and recognitions by leaders and communities during his lifetime.

“I remember vividly how two warring tribes in Ghana came together for the first time because of John’s performance,” he said.

“He ended up reconciling them.

“He was after that given a chieftaincy title as the ‘Malangula I of Tamale Land’, meaning the peacemaker.

“And I was named the ‘Ngulala’, meaning the mouthpiece of the peacemaker.

“When we went to Botswana, he held the Nigerian flag when we landed to show how proud and patriotic he was.

“This was because they were hearing many negative things about Nigeria then.

“He was a man I would say made Africans laugh and was held in high esteem like a people’s leader.”

Nwuzor said DSI managed the movie star for over two decades and was part of his entertainment expedition across Africa and beyond.

He said Mr Ibu used his craft to project Nigeria in a positive light, especially in places that have heard negative stories about the country.

“Mr Ibu was a Nollywood ambassador who used his talent and humour to promote peace, happiness, and unity among Africans.

“I signed John in 2004, and then our relationship grew beyond that of business to become that of friendship.

“The deal started with the first two years. I did not bother him with the aspects of Nigerian movies, so he could deal with anyone on Nigerian movies.

“But for anything concerning international showbiz, I have to discuss with the promoters the basic access requirements and then we would move.

“There was no airport, especially in Africa, where fans would not gather to welcome John. That was how I realised his popularity outside the shores of Nigeria.

“He was even more celebrated in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Garbon, and Botswana.

“He always held the Nigerian flag to show his love for his country.

“John was one of the positive things other countries wanted to hear about Nigeria. Everybody looked forward to meeting him, including presidents of nations.

“One thing about him was his friendliness and originality, as everything he does is just himself and does not copy anyone.

“Foreigners fell in love with Nigeria through John and wanted to visit the country because of him. We got calls from even the Caribbean.”