Today, October 17th, marks veteran Nollywood actor Mr Ibu’s first posthumous birthday and his wife, Stella Maris, has taken to social media to celebrate him.
Mr Ibu, whose real name is John Okafor, passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 2, 2024 at the age of 62, due to a cardiac arrest. He was laid to rest in his hometown on Friday, June 28, 2024.
Before his demise, the actor revealed that he was battling a serious illness that might lead to the amputation of one of his legs. He shared that the condition struck him while on a movie set with other Nollywood actors. Okafor appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial support to cover his medical expenses. In a video from his hospital bed, he expressed his fear of losing his leg.
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, founded by Nigeria’s former Senate President, covered his medical bills as of October 18, 2023. However, the foundation also noted that Okafor needed further financial assistance for continued hospital care and to fund his treatment abroad.
By November 2023, Okafor underwent leg amputation after enduring seven surgeries due to the illness. His family explained that the procedure was necessary to save his life and improve his chances of recovery.
In latest development, Stella paid her tribute to the late movie star as she shared family photos showing Mr Ibu, his wife and their three children.
According to the widow, Mr Ibu always cherished his birthday while he was alive.
She wrote, “oday is my late husband’s birthday (Mr IBU) This will mark the first birthday without him celebrating with us here.I can’t forget how he used to cherished and celebrate his birthdays… We miss him so much May his soul continue to rest in eternal peace Amen 🙏.”
Checkout the photos below:
Fans and followers flooded comment section to share their condolences messages. Some reactions are shown below:
sequencials said, “What a life, take good care of the kids madam, the lord is your strength, be strong you hear.”
mirabless_ said, “Hmmmmmmm this life self hmmmmmm, Ibu is now history nawa ooo. Wife is wife no matter what , virtue wife can’t be compare to anything. Rest on Mr funny.”
maureen_solomon_okereke said, “May his continue to rest in peace. Omalicha, strong woman, you are blessed by the Lord. Take heart nne m.”
jayluvsweetjesusbabe said, “Happy posthumous birthday Mr ibu we miss you,Continue to RIP sir.”
ritaedochie said, “CHAAAAAIIIIII IT IS WELL OOOO MY DARLING 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌.”