OBITUARY: Five failed marriages, gone without two legs: The Tragic tale of Mr Ibu

The life of actor John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, unfolded like a gripping movie script. His story began with the discovery of exceptional talent and ended with that talent shattered.

It is no coincidence that the number five weaves through his life’s narrative. Mr Ibu narrowly escaped death five times, faced the collapse of five marriages, and was revered as a five-star actor, IDOMA VOICE reports.

Over three decades, John Ibu’s life was a paradox. While he brought laughter to countless through his comedic roles, within him resided a man burdened with sorrows, shedding silent tears.

A life marred by failed marriages

In a shocking revelation some years back, Mr Ibu shared the harrowing tales of his tumultuous journey through five marriages.

“I am on my final marriage,” he once disclosed. “If this one falls apart, I won’t venture into another union. This marks my fifth and perhaps most tumultuous marriage yet. It feels more like a sentence than a partnership. I doubt if I am still in this marriage because it seems she has made up her mind to leave, and I won’t stand in her way.

“I support her decision to leave. Each time I see her, I struggle to breathe, and it’s taking a toll on my health because I am not ready to die.”

A man of sorrow until the end

In 2023, tragedy struck as Mr Ibu lost both his legs due to a severe clotting condition in his blood vessels. While confined to his sickbed, controversy brewed within his family. In January, the Nigeria Police Force reported the arrest of Mr Ibu’s son and adopted daughter for allegedly stealing N50 million, intended for the ailing actor’s medical care.

Yet, even in the throes of illness, Mr Ibu displayed remarkable resilience. This was vividly captured by his colleague, Charles Inojie, during a visit to the late actor in the hospital.

Inojie recounted his bittersweet encounter with the indomitable humorist, Mr Ibu, on his sickbed. Despite the recent amputation of one of his legs, Mr Ibu’s spirit remained undaunted.

The unbreakable spirit of Mr Ibu

As a gesture of solidarity, Inojie, accompanied by actress Chinyere Wilfred, visited Mr Ibu at the Lagos Island hospital where he was receiving treatment.

Rather than succumbing to the agony of his amputation, Mr Ibu greeted his visitors with his trademark humor, as if untouched by his ordeal.

Inojie recounted the moment: “I never imagined I would share this chapter of my encounter with Mr Ibu on his sickbed. There was a lingering concern that it might trivialize a dire situation.”

Ibu: “Idiot, what are you doing here?”
Inojie: “Mumu, why you carry your leg go give mallam to dey cut?”
Ibu: “I get sense?”

He continued, “We prayed and cried freely and came to, unconsoled. He wiped his eyes as I did mine, and out of the blues, the Mr Ibu in him reared its head again.

Ibu: “Idiot, you go dey cry. Wetin dey beat you?”

Inojie: “Mumu, you no cry?”

Ibu: “Na as I see you dey cry, na him I say make I support you na.”

The untold saga of Mr Ibu’s final days

Before the final curtain fell on Mr Ibu’s life, a saga of heartbreak unfolded:

1. His first wife divorced him
2. Accusations from his second wife, claiming he committed unspeakable acts with their daughter.
3. The relentless grip of diabetes tightened around him.
4. Blood clotting and the death of blood vessels in his leg plagued him.
5. His own daughter allegedly squandered the funds earmarked for his life-saving surgery.
6. Even in his dying moments, his wife clamored for the latest iPhone.
7. He was forced to sell off nearly all his possessions.
8. Ultimately, his legs were amputated, a cruel twist of fate.
9. And finally, he breathed his last, forsaken, with no wife, no property, no wealth, and no legs.

A lasting legacy

On March 2, 2024, Mr Ibu drew his last breath at Evercare Hospital, Lekki. He departed this world without his legs, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.

For Mr Ibu, the final curtain has fallen on the movie of his life. Yet, the memories he leaves behind will resonate for ages to come. In laughter and tears, in joy and sorrow, John Okafor, the beloved Mr Ibu, has etched his name in the annals of Nollywood history.