Kanayo O. Kanayo fires back at Reno Omokri, Uche Maduagwu over Mr. Ibu’s health

Earlier this week, the renowned Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, shared a video where he revealed that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed illness. According to the seasoned actor, his doctor informed him that if the prescribed medications failed to have the desired effect, amputation of his leg might be necessary. In his appeal, Mr. Ibu requested assistance and called for prayers to overcome his current ordeal.

The unexpected video announcement prompted diverse reactions, with figures like Reno Omokri and Uche Maduagwu criticizing Mr. Ibu’s colleagues for not providing support during his time of need.

Responding to those who accused Mr. Ibu’s colleagues of abandoning him, the iconic actor Kanayo O. Kanayo posted a video on his verified Instagram account, sternly cautioning against exploiting Mr. Ibu’s illness for social media attention.

Kanayo said both in English and Igbo language in part, “Hello friends, good morning. As actors, our heart goes out to our very dear colleague, John Okafor (Mr Ibu). His family have been doing their very best since he was reported sick last year and now they have come out to say that they have done their best and need public support. It is not in any sense wrong.

“Would you feel bad or better if we kept quiet and allow our colleague to die? I condemn in strict terms Reno Omokri who is calling Peter Obi’s name and so on. It is not a friendly thing, it is wicked; and the other guy, I think Uche Maduagwu talked about shame on top actors. Shame on you too. I say shame on you because you don’t have any value or level to call our names.

The actor further stated, “It is an individual thing to support a colleague.  It becomes a collective as the Actors Guild of Nigeria who have tried their best in such a limited time. Don’t forget some people like to give privately as individuals without their names being mentioned. We will as an individual support our colleague, we will as individuals support our colleague…

“Nobody should use this as a platform to castigate and impugn or indict those who have not given. It is wrong and we don’t support it… This is a warning, if you want to give, give. We as ‘top actors’ as you call us give at our own levels. It is not very beneficial or important when we announce it.

“Don’t use our colleague’s name, John Okafor (Mr Ibu) to trend just because you want a name. Stop seeking attention.”(sic)