Hardship Hits Mr Ibu’s Family as Widow Seeks Public Support

Two years after the death of beloved Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, his family says they are battling severe financial strain and have turned to the public for help.

In an emotional interview with content creator King Mitchy on Wednesday, the actor’s widow and children opened up about their living conditions since his passing on March 2, 2024, at age 62.

The widow disclosed that the family has been without electricity for roughly two months after their power was cut over unpaid bills. With rent also in arrears, they now draw water from a well to get by. 

“We fetch water from the well. Because I have not paid the house rent. And they have even cut my lights for two months now. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. It’s not easy,” she said.

She added that her children face being sent home from school. “Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she noted.

Despite the challenges, one of Mr Ibu’s daughters commended her mother’s efforts: “I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, to pay our school fees, to make us happy.”

King Mitchy said the appeal is aimed at raising support to cover the family’s rent, restore their electricity, and clear outstanding school fees.

Mr Ibu was one of Nigeria’s most iconic comic actors, with a career spanning decades in Nollywood before his death earlier this year.