Nollywood mourns as Mr Ibu laid to rest

The late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was laid to rest on June 28, 2024, in Amuri, Enugu State, following his passing on March 2, 2024. The funeral ceremony was a poignant tribute to his life and legacy, with family, friends, and fans in attendance.

The funeral rites for the late John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, featured a series of tributes, including a novelty football match between Nollywood stars and Rangers International Football Club on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The following day, a candlelight procession was held, where colleagues, fans, and family members gathered to pay their final respects and bid a emotional farewell to the beloved actor.

A wake was subsequently held in his honour on Thursday, June 27, in his hometown.

Earlier this month, the Actors Guild of Nigeria had organised a candlelight service at the Unity Fountain in Abuja to pay tribute to Mr Ibu and two other deceased actors— Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe.

The funeral ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, as well as several prominent actors such as Patience Ozokwor and Angela Okorie, who came to pay their respects to the late Mr. Ibu.

Mr. Ibu’s health took a devastating turn in October 2023 when he made a public appeal for financial assistance. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, his condition tragically resulted in the amputation of his legs.