‘Africa’s Mr BEAN Takes A Bow’ — Nollywood Stars Mourn Mr Ibu

The entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular comic actor, John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu.

The 62-year-old actor passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in a Lagos hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

Mr Ibu, who had recently undergone a series of surgery that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs, had sought prayers and financial assistance from fans during his health battle.

The AGN President, Emeka Rollas, expressed his grief in a statement confirming the actor’s passing: “Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace”.

Since the sad incident, colleagues of the deceased actor have taken to social media to share their condolences.

Kanayo O. Kanayo, a veteran Nollywood actor, described Mr Ibu as Africa’s ‘Mr BEAN’ and paid tribute to his exceptional comic talent.

He wrote, “Africa’s ‘Mr BEAN’ takes a bow. John Okafor AKA Mr Ibu is the most outstanding comic actor by CONDUCT.

“He didn’t need to say a word to evoke laughter. His mien, body movement etc was comic. He embodied laughter. May God who called him home, grant him eternal rest. Nyikiriputu, koko onyiko onyi, egbu bie nwanyi abua…God will smile receiving you. Mr Ibu, GOODNIGHT.”

Singer Abdulkareem Eedris hailed Ibu as a legend, stating that memories of him would last forever. He said, “Time may heal our broken hearts but memories will last forever. Rest on legend.”

A close colleague of the deceased, Charles Inojie, also bade him farewell, saying Mr Ibu can now enjoy the peace he was denied during his health struggles.

He wrote “Rest in peace, king. Yes, you can have it all now. That which eluded you the most when it mattered the most…PEACE…

“The peace of mind to recuperate peacefully Was a favour too expensive to oblige you Now, it’s all yours, bro. Revel in heavenly peace, infinitum. Rest… Rest… Rest in PEACE.”

Similarly, actress Mercy Johnson Okojie shared a candlelight image, offering her condolences. She simply wrote, “it is well…rest well sir.”

Actor Ken Eric Ugo said Mr Ibu’s legacy would live forever: “You fought the good fight! Your legacy lives forever! Rest In Peace Mr Ibu,” he wrote

Skit maker and musician Nas Boi (@iamnasboi) credited Mr Ibu and Charles Inojie for teaching him the skill of humour, expressing his love and gratitude to the deceased.

“I acquired the skill of being funny from MR IBU Y, and CHARLES INOJIE @charlesinojie. It was a privilege to meet you. Love you forever sir….. Rest well King,” he said.

Many other celebrities and fans of the actor consoled the family of the deceased and described him as “Legend”.

Mr Ibu rose to prominence in the early 2000s for his comedic roles in Nollywood films such as ‘Mr Ibu in London’, ‘Mr Ibu and His Son’, ‘Coffin Producers’, ‘Husband Suppliers’, and ‘International Players,’ amongst others