Nollywood icon Kanayo O. Kanayo has paid a heartfelt tribute to his fellow actor, John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor, following the news of his recent passing.
Mr. Ibu tragically passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, after a prolonged battle with blood clot complications in his leg. According to reports from his manager, Don Single Nwuzor, he succumbed to a cardiac arrest at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, where he had been undergoing treatment.
Since his untimely demise, the beloved comic actor has been fondly remembered and praised for his contributions to the entertainment industry. Kanayo O. Kanayo took to Instagram on Sunday, March 3rd, to share his condolences.
In his heartfelt post, Kanayo O. Kanayo affectionately referred to his departed colleague as “Africa’s Mr. Bean,” drawing parallels between Mr. Ibu’s comedic genius and the renowned British sitcom character known for his silent yet uproarious escapades.
Mr. Ibu’s health struggles became public knowledge when he celebrated his 62nd birthday from his hospital room in October 2023. He appealed for public assistance to prevent the amputation of his leg, a battle he ultimately lost in November of the same year.
Despite his efforts, Mr. Ibu was unable to seek advanced medical treatment abroad due to his deteriorating health condition, as doctors deemed him unfit to travel.
The passing of Mr. Ibu marks a significant loss to the entertainment world, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy that will be cherished by fans and colleagues alike.