The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is mourning the loss of one of its beloved veterans. John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, breathed his last on Saturday, March 2, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memorable performances. In this article, we delve into the circumstances surrounding John Okafor’s cause of death, shedding light on the events leading up to this tragic moment.
John Okafor’s Cause of Death
Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, officially confirmed Mr Ibu’s demise. He revealed that the iconic actor succumbed to a cardiac arrest on the aforementioned Saturday, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades.
“I announce with a deep sense of grief that Ibu didn’t make it. Mr Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years,” President Rollas expressed sorrowfully on his Instagram page.
What Happened to John Okafor?
The news of John Okafor’s passing comes after a prolonged battle with illness. The actor had been hospitalized since September 2023, raising concerns among fans and colleagues about his well-being.
Concerns about Mr Ibu’s health initially surfaced in December 2023, when his family released a statement regarding his condition. Despite assurances of his well-being following a leg amputation, it became evident that the actor’s health problems had taken a severe toll.
How Did John Okafor Die?
The family statement shed light on Mr Ibu’s health issues, revealing that the amputation was necessitated by severe blood clotting in his leg, coupled with other underlying conditions.
“The first amputation didn’t completely correct his health predicament, so the doctors had to go ahead to amputate the same leg further to ensure we didn’t lose him,” the statement read.
Diving deeper into the specifics, the family stressed that the cause of Mr. Ibu’s illness wasn’t diabetes but a rather constant clotting of the blood in his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health problems that posed a severe risk to his life.
A Struggle Against Deteriorating Health
Despite multiple medical interventions, including specialized care and several operations, Mr Ibu’s health continued to deteriorate. The initial amputation did not bring about a significant improvement, prompting further efforts to manage his condition.
“Daddy’s cause of illness is not diabetes either, but he has had constant clotting of the blood in his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health problems that have put his life at risk, hence the need for the amputation,” the family statement stressed.
A Fond Farewell to Mr Ibu
Despite the valiant efforts of medical professionals, John Okafor succumbed to his illness. His contributions to the Nigerian film industry, particularly in the realm of comedy, have left an indelible mark. Colleagues, fans, and industry peers have poured out tributes, remembering him fondly for his talent, humor, and larger-than-life personality.
As we bid farewell to this Nollywood icon, we reflect on the joy and laughter he brought into the lives of many through his exceptional performances. John Okafor’s cause of death leaves a void in the hearts of those who admired his work, and the legacy of Mr. Ibu will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those who cherished his contributions to the world of entertainment.
We hope you have enjoyed our work, if you liked it Please help us reach more people like You. Share this article with your Friends using below buttons. Sharing is Caring 💗