Veteran Nollywood actor Mr Ibu recently released a video seeking financial aid for an undisclosed ailment. However, the family recently announced that his leg was amputated to keep him alive.
Here’s all we know about the situation so far.
What is happening?
Nigerian actor, John Okafor, AKA Mr Ibu is currently on admission at a medical hospital in Lagos.
On Wednesday, October 18, Mr Ibu released a video on his official Instagram page soliciting financial aid for a medical condition. He revealed that doctors had informed him of the possibility of getting one of his legs amputated.
A history of Mr Ibu’s condition
While the actor’s recent medical situation has stirred concern from fans and fellow Nigerians, this is not the first time he has been ill.
Mr Ibu’s adopted daughter, Lady Jasmine, first drew attention to the actor’s health in March 2022 after he landed in the hospital.
Although the exact diagnosis was not revealed to the public, the actor was on admitted for several days at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre in Abuja.
At the time, industry colleagues, including Monalisa Chinda, who was the PRO of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) paid a courtesy visit to the actor at the hospital.
In an interview after he was discharged, Mr Ibu claimed he was poisoned, hence his admission to the hospital.
“I was poisoned, but not at an entertainment event in Abuja. I was poisoned in my home town, and then I journeyed to Abuja, where the poison affected me and grounded me. At a point, I almost gave up, but God said, ‘No, you are not going to give up. And here I am. I have been discharged.’”
The actor was admitted again by May 2022, spending his wedding anniversary with his wife at the hospital. However, by June 2022, he was out of the hospital and started showing signs of recovery.
Mr Ibu resumed on movie sets, started making more appearances on social media and even featured in comedy skits.
In September 2023, the actor celebrated his 40 years on screen with many colleagues and well-wishers joining him to mark the occasion. Unfortunately, his health seemed to take another hit shortly after the event.
What are colleagues doing?
Shortly after his call for help, several colleagues in the entertainment industry have used their platforms to amplify Mr Ibu’s plight.
Veteran actor, Kanayo O. Kanayo released a video urging fellow industry colleagues and kindhearted Nigerians to donate towards Mr Ibu’s medical aid.
He, however, clamped down on author, Reno Omokri, who had shared a tweet emphasising Ibu’s support of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during the general elections. Omokri claimed the actor joined others to raise funds for Obi as such the politician should return the favour.
Meanwhile, celebrities like Davido, Tunde Ednut, and Paul Okoye amongst others have rallied support for the ailing actor and promised to do their bit.
Mr Ibu’s leg amputated
On November 5, 2023, Mr Ibu’s adopted daughter, Lady Jasmine, shared an update about his health on behalf of the family.
According to her, the actor successfully had seven surgeries. Unfortunately, one of his legs had to be amputated.
“As of 1 p.m., noon today, Daddy has gone through 7 successful surgeries but to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery one of his legs had to be amputated. This development has been hard on us all but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive.”
What can you do to help?
In a video, Mr Ibu explained the doctors have informed him of the possibility of amputation if efforts to remedy his condition prove futile. The actor pleaded with members of the public to support him with prayers.
Now that his leg has been amputated, the family is still calling on kindhearted Nigerians for financial support.
“Please we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians at this stage,” the actor’s daughter wrote.
The actor’s bank account details have been made available for members of the public willing to donate towards his well-being. A direct mobile number has also been provided for members of the public.
How are Nigerians reacting?
Many Nigerians who grew up watching the iconic actor are saddened by the news of Mr Ibu’s predicament and have wished him well.
