The Nollywood industry is plunged into sorrow with the passing of the cherished veteran actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

According to Vistanaij Media’s report on Saturday evening, the veteran actor, who had been battling health issues for months, has passed away. The news was relayed by a healthcare worker from the hospital where the actor breathed his last breath.

Confirming his demise, Emeka Rollas, the president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, disclosed that Mr Ibu succumbed to cardiac arrest.

His departure has left a deep void in the industry, as he was adored by many and left an indelible mark on our memories. Nollywood icons such as Nkem Owoh-Osuofia, Patience Ozokwo, Destiny Etiko, Mike Ezurounye, Chizzy Alichi, Zubby Michael, Helen Paul, Uche Elendu, and others have taken to their Instagram accounts to express their grief.

Uche Elendu wrote, “Hmmmm I’m completely speechless! Death where is they sting? Mr Ibu you fought a good fight but God knows best. This one pains me ooo. It’s a hugeeeee loss.

Rest in peace, Mr Ibu.
You left a mark that can never be erased. It is well with your Family”

Patience Ozokwo wrote, “Where, O Death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?
1 Corinthians 15:55

No more pain.
No more sorrow.
No more noise
Everlasting pain”.

Osuofia Nkem Owoh wrote, “Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. We hold you close in our thoughts. R.I.P Mr Ibu”

Helen Paul wrote, “What is hardest to accept about the passage of time is that the people who once mattered the most to us end up in a blink.
The legendary Mr Ibu.
May your soul rest in peace”

Zubby Michael wrote, “Alumelu

Destiny Etiko wrote, “This shouldn’t be true.
This guy me differently. God. RIP Our Legend”

Chizzy Alichi wrote, “Words fail me.
I prayed and hoped that it was all rumour.
Rest well”.

Mike Ezurounye wrote, “People should just learn Humility cos this life ehn. Hmmmm. R.I.P sir

May Edochie wrote, “After all the pain, after Al the struggles. Sometimes I’m tempted to ask, what really is the essence of life? Truly, we are like pencils in the hands of God.
What a great loss. RIP Mr. Ibu! Dear Lord, pls grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss”.