The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, expressed his sadness over the passing of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, also known as Mr Ibu.
Allub Times reports that the comic actor died on Saturday night at the Ever Care Hospital in Lagos after a long battle with an undisclosed illness.
In a post on his official social media account on Sunday, Obi said that Mr Ibu’s death is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and the nation, and that it is a heartbreaking event.
The former Governor of Anambra State mentioned that Mr Ibu was one of the legendary comic actors who brought laughter, joy, and happiness to many people.
Obi extended his condolences to Mr Ibu’s grieving family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who recently lost two legendary actors in a short period, and the entire Nollywood community.
He wrote: “Just as I tweeted my condolence on the death of Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri, a lot of people, through my comments section, called my attention to the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.
“His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness. When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.
“His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.
“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days and the entire Nollywood family. We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind.
“May God who called him home grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace Mr Ibu!”
