The family of late Nollywood actor John 'Mr Ibu' Okafor has received ₦7.5 million in public donations after his widow, Stella Okafor, made a heartfelt appeal for financial assistance. The funds, raised through a campaign led by content creator King Mitchy, are earmarked for the children's school fees, including WAEC registration for the eldest daughter, and to help the family transition to a more affordable home.
Public appeal sparks support and family dispute
Stella Okafor had earlier shared the family's struggles in an interview with King Mitchy, revealing that they had been without electricity for two months due to unpaid bills and that her children were sent home from school because of unpaid fees. The plea triggered a wave of donations on social media. However, the public appeal also ignited a family clash, with Mr Ibu's third son, Somtochukwu Okafor, publicly disputing the claims of poverty. He accused his stepmother of hoarding his late father's estate and secretly selling a Lagos property for ₦60 million.
Donation details and intended use
Taking to Instagram on Friday, King Mitchy disclosed the total raised and how the funds would be used. “First of all, I sincerely want to thank everyone who donated. Together, we raised ₦7.5 million for the family. God bless every single one of you,” the post reads. She added: “This support will help pay the children’s school fees, including the eldest daughter’s WAEC fees, which they couldn’t afford. It will also help them with rent. After speaking with the mother, I advised her to move to a more affordable house, and we had a very long conversation.”
Broader context of entertainers' financial hardship
The downturn in fortune of the late actor’s family highlights the common economic difficulties faced by entertainers and celebrities after they leave the limelight. Earlier this year, Abiodun Ayoyinka, the actor behind the popular Papa Ajasco character, also pleaded with fans for financial support after falling into hard times.
