Nigerians are mourning popular Nollywood actor John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, who has died at the age of 62.
“I announce with [a] deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it,” Actors Guild of Nigeria President Emeka Rollas said on Saturday.
He said the actor had a cardiac arrest.
Okafor rose to fame two decades ago in the film Mr Ibu – which became his career-long nickname.
It is still regarded as one of the best Nigerian performances in a comic role.
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He went on to star in more than 200 Nollywood films – including Keziah, 9 Wives and several Mr Ibu sequels.
“Rest well, sir,” actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie in her tribute said.
Law professor and former UN rapporteur Joy Ezeilo said the actor was a ‘beloved’ figure who brought laughter to many.
Nigeria’s Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa described him as a household, who had made families smile throughout his career.
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According to local reports, Okafor died at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos state.
The actor’s health issues first came to public attention last year. One of his legs was amputated in November after fans donated to a crowd-funding scheme for his medical bills.
In Malawi, the creative sector has also expressed shock with Mr Ibu’s death with some actors and comedians saying he inspired some of them.— BBC
