The Nollywood industry mourns a great loss in Mr Ibu. We mourn and celebrate his life and his contribution to the industry and to our chidlhoods.
Mr Ibu is a renowned Nigerian actor and comedian celebrated for his exceptional talent and commanding presence in the comedy genre. His comedic style is marked by foolish yet endearing characters and a deliberate detachment from reality.
Nollywood Icon John Ikechukwu Okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu, was born on October 17, 1961, in Nkanu West L.G.A., Enugu State. Following the passing of his father, Okafor relocated to Sapele in 1974 to live with his brother. In Sapele, he undertook various odd jobs to finance his education and provide for his family.
Before finding fame in the entertainment industry, Okafor explored multiple career paths, including hairstyling, photography, and working for a crate manufacturing company. Despite gaining admission to the College of Education in Yola after completing secondary school, financial constraints led to his withdrawal from the institution.
Mr. Ibu has graced the screens in over 200 Nollywood productions, showcasing his comic prowess in popular films such as “Mr. Ibu” (2004), “Mr. Ibu and His Son,” “Coffin Producers,” “Husband Suppliers,” “International Players,” “Mr. Ibu in London” (2004), “Police Recruit” (2003), “9 Wives” (2005), and “Ibu in Prison” (2006), among many others.