Two years after the passing of Nollywood comedy legend John "Mr Ibu" Okafor in 2024, his family is facing extreme financial distress, reportedly living without electricity or clean water for weeks. The late actor's three youngest children have been forced to stop attending school because the family cannot afford educational expenses.
King Mitchy reveals family's plight
Nigerian content creator and influencer Mitchel Ihueze, known as King Mitchy, visited the family and highlighted their deteriorating living conditions. She launched a public appeal for donations to cover the children's tuition and the family's rent. According to her, Mr Ibu's 14-year-old daughter and his younger sons aged 12 and 10 are no longer in school due to financial challenges. King Mitchy further claimed the family told her they had been without electricity and access to clean water for about two weeks.
Public appeal for support
King Mitchy expressed sadness over the situation, describing Mr Ibu as one of Nigeria's most beloved comic actors whose movies brought laughter and joy to countless households for many years. She appealed to the public and well-meaning Nigerians to support the family, particularly in helping the children return to school and addressing immediate welfare needs. She wrote: "This is the family of a legend. Not just anybody. I don't know for you, but for me Mr Ibu made my childhood fun. I loved to watch his movies. Him and Aki and Paw Paw now that he is gone his family should not be suffering. We are donating for the children to go back to school and for their house rent to be paid."
Mr Ibu's legacy and death
Mr Ibu, regarded as one of Nigeria's best comic performers, died at age 62 after suffering cardiac arrest on March 2, 2024, in a hospital in Lekki, Lagos State, following a prolonged battle with diabetes. He was famous for his slapstick comedy that impacted Nollywood for three decades. His nickname derived from the popular movie 'Mr Ibu and Son', where he appeared alongside Osita Iheme, known as Paw Paw.
Broader issue of entertainers' financial struggles
The downturn in fortune of Mr Ibu's family highlights the common economic difficulty that plagues entertainers and celebrities after they step away from the limelight. Earlier in the year, Abiodun Ayoyinka, the actor behind the Papa Ajasco character, pleaded with fans for financial support after falling into hard times. The revelation has generated concern among fans and well-wishers, many of whom expressed shock that the family of such a celebrated entertainer could be experiencing such difficulties.
