How late John Okafor got the name Mr Ibu

Mr Ibu died in the early hours of Saturday at Evercare hospital located at Lekki Phase 1 in Lagos State.

Mr Ibu had been bedridden and was receiving treatment at the hospital before his sad demise, aged 62.

Born John Okafor, Mr Ibu became an item from a role the late Nollywood veteran played in one of his famous movies, titled Mr Ibu.

He became famous for the name Mr Ibu from the Mr Ibu movie, which became a hit, and which he starred alongside Osita Iheme, popularly known as Pawpaw.

The late iconic Nigerian actor known for his comedic roles in Nollywood films had earlier adopted the name Mr Ibu from his grandfather.

In an interview in 2018, he said at the time: “I have always been called Ibu from childhood. My grandfather bore the name too and I took after him.

“When we began shooting Mr Ibu in 2004, we titled the film John Ibu Okafor and after some time, we changed it from Mr. John Ibu to John Okafor. I later settled for Mr Ibu and the name stuck after the film became a hit.

“I inherited my comic side from my grandfather. He was a better actor, a better comedian than me. He died in 1971”.

Mr Ibu’s unique style and infectious humour set him apart and endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Born on October 17, 1961, Mr Ibu hailed from Umunekwu village in Eziokwe, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria.

However, after his primary education and the sudden demise of his father, he relocated to Sapele, Delta State, where he stayed with his brother.

Upon completing his secondary education, it was gathered that Mr Ibu left Sapele for Adamawa State, which at the time was known as Gongola State.

He eventually returned to Enugu, and then back to Delta before eventually moving to Lagos State when all else to pursue formal education failed.

It was in Lagos Mr Ibu got the chance to pursue his career and establish himself as an actor.