Mr Ibu: Details Emerge As Nollywood Star Set To Be Buried Months After His Death

• Nigerian actor John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, passed away on March 3, after battling a serious ailment that resulted in his leg being amputated
• Although he revealed his ailment in October 2023, the actor had been having health issues for a while prior
• Ibu's family has disclosed that the beloved actor will be laid to rest in June in a five-day burial ceremony

The family of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, has issued a statement detailing the plans for his funeral.

How did Mr Ibu die?

Ibu died from a cardiac arrest on March 3, after a long battle with an illness that led to one of his legs being amputated.

Efforts to seek specialised treatment abroad were hindered when doctors advised against travel due to his condition, leading to his treatment in Nigeria.

The news of his passing first surfaced through a WhatsApp chat, allegedly from a staff member at the Evercare Hospital in Lagos, and was later confirmed by his family.

Heartbroken Fans, colleagues and celebrities mourned the veteran actor on social media.

Mr Ibu's burial arrangements

Recently, Ibu's family disclosed that he will be buried on June 28, three months after his passing.

"The Okafor family in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State, wishes to honour the loving memory of our hero and a legend, John Ikechukwu Okafor, who even in death, has left a legacy of love, laughter and liveliness.

We would appreciate your esteemed presence as we lay to rest our son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and in-law on June 28 2024, the family's official statement, as seen by pmnewsnigeria," stated.

The statement further detailed the burial ceremony that would take place over five days.

The first day, June 25, will be marked with a high-profile novelty march followed by a session dubbed Mr Ibu night the next day, June 26.

This phase will include a candlelight procession and live entertainment.

On June 27, a Christian wake will be held at his compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West, before the funeral service takes place on June 28.

Finally, the last day, June 29 will entail a thanksgiving service for family, friends and well-wishers.

Actor Junior Pope dies

Separately, Famous Nollywood actor Pope Odonwodo, aka Junior Pope, died in a tragic boat accident.

His passing was announced on Wednesday, April 10, by filmmaker Sam Olatunji, who noted that the actor died with three others after they fell into a river.

They were going to a movie location when the unfortunate incident happened. Several of his fans are in disbelief as the bubbling actor was still his usual vibrant self just a day before he died.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.