The Late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was a legendary Nigerian actor and comedian. His hilarious performances in countless Nollywood movies left audiences in stitches for over two decades.
This is the story of Mr. Ibu’s life, from his humble beginnings to his tragic death, and the incredible career that made him a beloved household name across Nigeria.
This biography dives into the life of Mr. Ibu, exploring his age, net worth, tragic cause of death, awards, family life, and lots more.
Mr Ibu Biography
| DIO-DATA | INFORMATION |
| Real Name | John Okafor |
| Stage Name: | Mr. Ibu |
| Date of Birth | 17 October 1961 |
| Died: | 2 March 2024 |
| Age at Time of Death | 62 years |
| Tribe: | Igbo |
| Place of Birth: | Nkanu West local government area in Enugu state. |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Religion: | Christian |
| Net Worth: | Estimated $4.5 Million |
| Education: | College of Education, Yola | Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu |
| Wife: | Stella Maris Okafor |
| Children: | Late Emmanuel Mandela Okafor (son), Chelsea Okafor (daughter), Jasmine Okafor (adopted daughter), and Jay Jay Okafor (son). |
| Award: | Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (unconfirmed) |
| Occupation: | Actor and comedian |
| Breakout to Fame: | The Movie “Mr. Ibu” |
| Stage Name Origin: | Adopted from his breakout movie role |
| Number of Films: | Acted in over 200 Nollywood films |
| Memorable Films: | Mr. Ibu, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, Mr. Ibu and His Son, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London. |
| Comedy Style: | Known for his use of facial expressions, body language, and comedic timing |
| Compared with: | Famous American comedian Jim Carrey |
| Music: | released the singles “This Girl” and “Do You Know” in 2020 |
| Club: | An LSF of Ilya Tawinji (Kegite) |
| Controversial Statement: | Spoke out against homosexuality in Nollywood in 2012 |
| Health Struggles: | He publicly revealed he was ill in October 2023 |
| Financial Support: | He sought financial assistance from Nigerians for medical treatment in October 2023 |
| Medical Procedure: | Underwent leg amputation in November 2023 due to an infection |
| Date of passing: | March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 |
Early Life and Education
Mr. Ibu was born into a poor family background. In the early years of his life, six of his family members tragically died from poisoning.
After his father’s death in 1974, he moved to Sapele, where he lived with his brother and worked odd jobs to help his family. He worked as a hairstylist, a photographer, and even for a crate-producing company.
Through hard work and dedication, he was able to continue his secondary education.
After completing his secondary education, he applied to study at the College of Education, Yola, but later withdrew as a result of financial difficulties.
He later enrolled at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu, though it’s unclear whether he completed his studies there.
Personal Life
Mr. Ibu’s personal life was filled with both happiness and sorrow. He and his wife, Stella Maris Okafor, were blessed with three children, of whom their son, Emmanuel, passed away on January 25, 2012.
Though he faced difficult times, Mr. Ibu remained a pillar of strength for his family. His love for his wife and children was evident in the way he cared for them and supported them through good and bad times.
In late 2023, Mr. Ibu’s health began to deteriorate. He battled an arterial infection that went undiagnosed for too long. This resulted in a series of surgeries, including a heartbreaking leg amputation in November 2023.
Despite the tireless effort of his family and the support of the Nigerian film industry, Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62.
It was a tragic loss for the world of entertainment and for all who knew and loved him.
Career
John Okafor rose to fame in the film “Mr. Ibu.” He earned his nickname from the role, and it stuck with him throughout his career.
Some of his most notable films are “Mr. Ibu in London” (2004), “Mr. Ibu” (2004), “Mr. Ibu and His Son”, “Coffin Producers”, “Husband Suppliers”, “International Players”, “Police Recruit” (2003), “9 Wives” (2005), Mr. Ibu in Prison” (2006), and “Keziah” (2007).
He collaborated with some of the biggest names in Nollywood, including Mercy Johnson, Pete Edochie, Patience Ozokwor, Aki, Paw Paw, and many more.
His career was more than just acting; he also wrote and produced films that left a lasting impact on the Nigerian film industry.
Although he started his career with small roles, his consistency paid off. As a result, he became one of the most respected and beloved figures in Nollywood.
Mr Ibu Real Name
Mr. Ibu’s real name is John Okafor.
Mr Ibu Age
Mr. Ibu was 62 years old at the time of his death.
Mr Ibu Net Worth
As of 2024, Mr. Ibu has an estimated net worth of $4.5 million, which is approximately $6,700,000,000 in Nigerian currency.
Mr Ibu Wife
Mr. Ibu’s wife is Stella Okafor
Mr Ibu Children
Mr. Ibu has four children: Emmanuel Mandela Okafor (late son), Chelsea Okafor (daughter), Jasmine Okafor (adopted daughter), and Jay Jay Okafor (son).
Mr Ibu Award
Some of Mr. Ibu’s awards include Best Comic Character at the AMVCA and Best Actor in Lead Role at the AMAAs.
Mr Ibu Cause of Death
In October 2023, Mr. Ibu revealed he had a serious medical condition that might require amputation. The condition struck him while he was on a movie set. He asked for financial help from fans to cover medical expenses.
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation helped with costs, but he still needed funds for ongoing treatment and travel. In November 2023, he had a leg amputation.
Sadly, Mr. Ibu passed away from cardiac arrest in March 2024. His legacy in Nigerian entertainment will be remembered and honored.
Mr. Ibu Burial
The family of the late veteran actor, John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, has announced his burial date to be June 28, 2024, in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Conclusion
In summary, Mr. Ibu’s story is one of triumph in the face of adversity. His humble beginnings did not stop him from becoming a beloved Nollywood icon.
Despite personal tragedies and health issues, he never gave up and brought joy to millions with his comedy.
Although he has passed away, he will be remembered as one of the greatest comedians of his generation.
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