By Tribute to Mr Ibu: Beyond Comedy, John Okafor was a complete entertainner
Ghazali Ibrahim
Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. For many fans of Nigerian cinema, John Okafor better known as Mr. Ibu is one of the doctors with the best prescription.
Yesterday, the world bade farewell to the Nollywood legend whose larger-than-life personality and hilarious portrayals in films brought laughter to countless lives. He was aged 62.
Early Beginnings and Humble Roots
Born on October 17, 1961, in Enugu State, Nigeria, John Okafor’s journey to stardom was marked by perseverance and passion. Raised in humble surroundings, he nurtured his love for acting from a young age.
His innate talent was evident to all who knew him, and it wasn’t long before he began to envision a future on the world stage, where his gifts could be shared with audiences far and wide.
The Rise of Mr Ibu
Okafor rose to prominence with his standout role in the hit comedy film, “Mr. Ibu.” Portraying the role of a father contending with the antics of his mischievous son acted by Osita Iheme (Pawpaw), Okafor’s performance captivated audiences and propelled him into the spotlight.
The widespread acclaim garnered by “Mr. Ibu” not only catapulted Okafor to newfound fame within the Nigerian entertainment industry but also earned him critical acclaim and accolades. His portrayal of the titular character showcased his comedic genius and endeared him to audiences nationwide, ultimately earning him the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Comic Actor in Nigeria in 2005.
Beyond his portrayal of ‘Mr Ibu’, Okafor showcased his versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles.
His performances were marked by authenticity and sincerity, earning him admiration and acclaim from fans and critics alike.
Passion for Football
Despite his endearing love acting, Okafor had a passion for football.
When in an interview what other career he would have chosen beside comic acting, Mr Ibu said he would have loved to be a football agent.
“If I hadn’t chosen acting as a career, I would definitely have become a football agent,” he told PUNCH Newspapers in 2018.
Stint in music
Okafor had a brief stint in the music industry, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. He released songs like “This Girl” and “Do You Know”. These tracks, released on October 15, 2020, gave fans a glimpse into his musical talent.
Troubling Last Days
Until his death, the Nollywood legend battled with an illness that eventually cost him one of his legs. News of the actor’s medical condition broke in October 2023 after he made a public statement from his hospital bed.
“As I dey speak to you, I still dey lie down for hospital; di medical director of dis hospital say di best solution be say, in case im new idea no work, di best idea na to cut off my leg”, he said in a video.
In November 2023, Okafor had one of his legs amputated to keep him alive. In January, his son Onyeabuchi Okafor and adopted Jasmine Okekeagwu were arrested by the police for allegedly stealing donations for the actor’s treatment.
Okafor breathed his last on Saturday in a Lagos hospital, ending the journey of the finest comic actors Nollywood has ever seen.
