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More than two years after the death of veteran Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, his widow and children have made an emotional appeal to Nigerians for financial assistance, revealing that the family is facing severe economic hardship. Speaking in a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Mr Ibu’s widow disclosed that she has been struggling to provide basic necessities for her children, including accommodation, education, and household expenses.
According to the widow, the family’s financial situation has deteriorated to the point where they can no longer afford rent and utility bills. She revealed that electricity to their residence was disconnected about two months ago because of unpaid bills, forcing the family to live without power and search for places to charge their phones. She also explained that they now depend on water from a well due to their inability to meet basic living expenses. In an emotional appeal, she said her children risk dropping out of school because she can no longer keep up with tuition payments.
One of Mr Ibu’s daughters praised her mother for remaining strong despite the challenges, saying she has continued to do everything possible to feed the family and keep the children in school. The family’s public appeal has sparked widespread sympathy among Nigerians on social media, with many calling on the entertainment industry, charitable organizations, and well-meaning individuals to support the household of one of Africa’s most beloved comic actors.
Mr Ibu, renowned for his unique comedic style and decades-long contribution to Nollywood, passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after a prolonged health battle. Before his death, the actor had publicly sought support for medical treatment and underwent the amputation of one of his legs. His widow’s latest appeal has reignited discussions about welfare and support systems for entertainers and their families, with many industry stakeholders urging stronger structures to protect artists and their dependents after retirement or death.
