According to reports, President Tinubu , industry stakeholders and others pays tribute to nollywood actor John Okafor popularly known as Mr Ibu who had been ill since 2023 reportedly died of cardiac arrest at 62 on Saturday in Evercare hospital in Lekki, Lagos State.
However, amidst the shock, fans and filmmakers, especially those that have worked closely with Okafor, have extolled the life and times of the comic actor in the Nigerian film industry.
While some continued to buzz social media with posts of scintillating memories of the actor, others who spoke with NAN on Sunday said his exit has created a vast vacuum in the entertainment Industry.
Blessing Ebigieson, National President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), said although Nollywood was currently mourning, the passion and resilience of the late actor would not be forgotten in hurry.
“Mr Ibu fought to stay alive, his friends also fought for him, everyone donated to make sure that he stayed alive but when God says it is time, nothing one can do.
“It would have been fine if he stayed alive after all the stress and pains he went through, but who am I to question God.
“We have lost a veteran and this is very heartbreaking to us; may his soul rest in peace.
“I pray his family come together as one in this trying period and let the man rest in peace,” she said.
Also, Emma Eyaba, Chairman of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) FCT chapter, said the late actor played key role in the progressive trajectory of Nigerian film industry and would be greatly missed.
He said Okafor was passionate with his job even in his down-moments, adding that he was supposed to feature in the sequel of the 2001 Nollywood classic ‘Issakaba’, where he was among the cast.
“You know he has been away from the public for some time now as he was recuperating and still receiving treatment.
“He was trying to get himself back before that attack came again, and unfortunately we lost him.
“He was supposed to be part of shooting of ‘Issakaba’ , a film in which he featured 23 years ago, but because ill health, we could not even have access to him,” he stated.
