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KANO. – Fans, filmmakers, and industry watchers are mourning the loss of veteran actor John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu.

Okafor, who had been battling illness since 2023, passed away from cardiac arrest at the age of 62 on Saturday at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos State. President Bola Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians joined industry stakeholders in mourning the beloved actor.

Despite the sadness, fans and colleagues celebrated Okafor’s contributions to Nigerian cinema. Many shared cherished memories of the comic actor on social media, highlighting his irreplaceable role in the entertainment industry.

Blessing Ebigieson, National President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), expressed deep sorrow over the loss but praised Okafor’s resilience. Emma Eyaba, chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) FCT chapter, emphasized Okafor’s significant impact on Nollywood’s growth.

Okafor’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with fans reminiscing about his iconic performances. Born on October 17, 1961, in Enugu State, Okafor appeared in over 200 Nollywood films, including the renowned “Mr Ibu” series.

His legacy lives on through timeless classics like “Police Recruit” and “Ibu in Prison.” Despite health challenges, Okafor remained dedicated to his craft until his passing.

In October 2023, Okafor disclosed his health struggles, which eventually led to a leg amputation in November of the same year. Throughout his ordeal, he remained hopeful and appreciative of the support from his fans and the public.

He burst onto the scene in 2004 with the movie “Mr Ibu”, which tells the story of the eponymous single father and his son as they journey through life, getting into a series of tricky, and hilarious, predicaments.”His facial expressions and his body were his biggest selling points,” film director Babangida Bangis told the BBC, contrasting him to most comic actors who use words to make people laugh.

“Mr Ibu was different as he doesn’t even have to talk to elicit laughter, as his face just like Mr Bean [Rowan Atkinson] will do the trick,” he said.

Indeed, one of Mr Ibu’s most iconic scenes and the one which introduced him to African audiences, was one in which he hardly said a word.

Popular Nigerian comedian Bovi described “Mr Ibu” as one of the greats.

“The passing of John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu is a sad chapter in Nigerian entertainment history. Let’s take solace in the fact that his works will live on and will inspire generations unborn. RIP to one of the greats” Bovi posted on X.

Nigeria’s Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa described him as a household name who had made families smile throughout his career.

Despite bringing such joy to so many people, he never found happiness on the domestic front.

He was married five times, most of which ended in bitter divorces.

He recently described his fifth marriage as being even less happy than his previous ones.

“This is my final marriage. If this one falls apart, I won’t marry again. This is my fifth and the worst marriage,” he told Nigeria’s Daily Post news site earlier this year.

Local media say he is survived by 13 children but some of these have also been a cause of concern.

After his fans donated money for his operation, his son Daniel Okafor and adopted daughter Jasmine Chioma were arrested on suspicion of hacking into his phone and taking US$60 700 for themselves. They have denied the charges.

In October 2020, he released two singles, titled This Girl and Do You Know, which were believed to be his last projects.

However his venture into music was not a success and he will always be remembered as the man who brought laughter to homes across Africa. – Africanews.c0m/ BBC.com