Nollywood actor, John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor, has tragically passed away after battling a prolonged illness that captured public attention in the final months of his life.
Emeka Rollas, the national president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), confirmed the news of Mr Ibu’s demise, stating that the comedian succumbed to a cardiac arrest, as relayed by his manager, Don Single Nwuzor.
Here’s a timeline detailing Mr Ibu’s illness leading up to his passing:
**October 17, 2023 — Birthday in Hospital Room:**
The public first became aware of Mr Ibu’s health struggles when he shared a video celebrating his 62nd birthday from a hospital room. Despite the birthday cheer, he appeared visibly unwell, prompting an outpouring of support from concerned fans.
**October 18, 2023 — Plea for Financial Assistance:**
Just a day after his birthday, Mr Ibu and his family released another video appealing for financial aid to cover his medical expenses. They revealed that doctors recommended amputating his leg to save his life, sparking a wave of donations from well-wishers.
**October 31, 2023 — Five Surgeries:**
Mr Ibu’s family announced that he underwent five successful surgeries, buoying hopes for his recovery and potential treatment abroad.
**November 6, 2023 — Leg Amputation:**
Tragically, Mr Ibu’s family announced that one of his legs had to be amputated to address his deteriorating condition, a decision met with sorrow by his devoted fans.
**December 16, 2023 — Health Clarification:**
In a comprehensive update, Mr Ibu’s family clarified the nature of his health issues, dispelling rumors of diabetes and correcting misinformation about his amputations. They also revealed that he was deemed unfit to fly abroad for treatment.
**March 2, 2024 — Passing Away:**
After a two-month hiatus in updates, the devastating news of Mr Ibu’s death on March 2 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes to the beloved comedian’s illustrious career spanning four decades.
As Nollywood mourns the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Mr Ibu’s legacy as a comedic genius and prolific actor will continue to live on in the hearts of fans worldwide.
