Veteran Nigerian actor, Okafor, ‘Mr Ibu’ dies at 62. Did you know the following things about him?

Nollywood veteran actor, John Okafor, who is popularly known as Mr Ibu, has died of cardiac arrest at Evercare Hospital in Lekki after being moved to the intensive care unit a few days ago

Okafor passed away on Saturday night on March 2, 2024.

Here are some of the things to know about him;

1. John Ikechukwu Okafor was born on 17 October 1961

2. He was 62 years old at the time of death

3. He was a Nigerian actor, comedian

4. He was from Umunekwu in Nigeria’s former Eastern Region (now in Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State).

5. Okafor pursued a career in martial arts before he ventured into acting.

6. He was a Shotokan Karate artist for 16 years and earned a black belt.

7. He taught Karate in several federal colleges in Nigeria.

8. At the beginning of his film career, he worked as a producer.

9. The producers discovered his comic side and assigned him his first acting role in 1997.

10. Since then, he has starred in countless comedy movies.

11. He rose to prominence in 2004 when he was cast to play the role of Ibu in Mr Ibu and Mr Ibu in London.

12. Okafor acted in more than 200 Nollywood films.

13. He also ventured into music for a short period of time.

14. On 15 October, 2020, he released his songs titled “This girl” and “Do you know.”

15. Okafor was known as “Nigeria’s Borat” and in 2012 described homosexuality in Nollywood as akin to a virus, saying “If there is any way in this world that people can make them stop it or kill it, please do it.

16. In November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.

17. His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recover.

Renowned for his acting prowess and comedic roles, Okafor was considered one of the legendary actors in Nollywood.

His illustrious career spanned decades. He featured in numerous film such as “Mr Ibu and Son,” “Police Recruit, “and “Mr Ibu in London” which solidified him as one of Nollywood’s most talented comedians in Nigeria.

As tributes flow in, fans and colleagues continue to honour his legacy, emphasising his significant contributions to the film industry and his pivotal role in shaping the Nollywood comedy industry.

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