The young children of late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, have sparked widespread reactions after denying knowledge of his adopted daughter, Jasmine Okafor, during a livestream with skit maker Carter Efe. The incident, which took place over the weekend, has drawn sharp criticism from netizens, many of whom blamed the children's mother, Stella Maris Okafor, for their behaviour.
Livestream Denial Draws Attention
During the livestream session, Carter Efe asked Mr Ibu's young son and daughter if they knew Jasmine Okafor. Both children replied that they had no idea who bore that name. The denial has attracted significant attention because Jasmine was widely reported to have cared for Mr Ibu during his prolonged illness in 2023. According to Mr Ibu himself and his second son, Daniel Okafor, Jasmine travelled from Cyprus to Abuja when she learned of his condition. She stayed with him in hospital, helped settle some medical bills, and managed his social media account. Daniel also noted that she looked after his father whenever his wife was not present.
Netizens React Critically
The children's denial on Carter Efe's livestream has since sparked online reactions. Many netizens criticised the children's mother, Stella Maris Okafor, for influencing their behaviour, while others questioned why children of such a young age were allowed to appear on a public livestream. Legit.ng compiled some of the reactions:
- @okachanmma: "The rudeness and boldness in that her daughter is outrageous. And for her mind she be smart girl"
- @ellasweet29296: "Okay no problem as you don't know her like mom like kid's una de do una self?"
- @goody_uc: "They are learning from their mother"
- @gracy_awele: "Una no need to know her We know her"
- @mrmanodili: "They took after their mother in character, and their father's look. I wish them all the best"
- @vee_ilenz9: "@realiburess what are your kids doing on live streaming? Is this how you plan to train them gosh. You are never beating the allegations nawa"
- @teeto__olayeni: "This seed their mother planted in them has started to germinate…..And also why is herself and her siblings on a platform like this???? Their mum has pushed them out to the public to make money at this age??? No school???"
Background of Family Controversy
The livestream incident comes days after the family's public appeal for financial assistance went viral. Mr Ibu's children had earlier been seen dancing on Carter Efe's livestream, which also sparked reactions. The denial of Jasmine Okafor has added to ongoing controversies surrounding the late actor's family. Jasmine later posted videos showing her feeding and caring for Mr Ibu in hospital, stressing that her focus was on his recovery despite ongoing family controversies.
Allegations Against Stella Maris
Earlier, the alleged first wife of late Nollywood veteran Mr Ibu spoke out following Stella Maris' public cry for help. Stella Maris revealed that her family now fetches water from a well, lacks electricity, and cannot afford rent since the actor died. In response, the alleged first wife accused Stella Maris of mismanaging N18 million from sold land, selling Mr Ibu's Lagos house, and taking his burial money.
