IPNEWS: Thousands are morning Sunday both in Liberia and Nigeria following the death of key national figures including Former Associate Justice of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, Joseph N. Nagbe and renowned Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.
According to report from the Liberian capital Monrovia, Former Associate Justice of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, Joseph N. Nagbe died after a protracted period of illness in Ghana. His Honor Joseph N. Nagbe served as Senator of Sinoe County for 13 years before becoming an Associate Justice of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia.
In December 2023, Justice Nagbe, tenured in his resignation from the Supreme Court bench on ill-health.
In Abuja, Nigeria, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, expressed sadness over the death of renowned Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.
The 62-year-old actor was confirmed dead by Mr Emeka Rollas, National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria on Saturday. He was said to have suffered a cardiac arrest.
The minister, in a statement through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, described the occurrence as “one death, too many”.
Musawa said this was coming just 24 hours after the death of yet another Nollywood actor, Sisi Quadri.
“I’m deeply shocked at too many deaths occurring at the same time. Mr Ibu was a household name who made families happy throughout his acting career.
“His death at this time is very unfortunate and a sad one for us all in the entertainment industry.
“We will sorely miss him. May his soul est in peace,” she said.
Mr Ibu’s passing comes as a shock to his legion of fans, who have followed his illustrious career spanning decades.
The actor, renowned for his comedic prowess and unforgettable performances, had endeared himself to audiences both at home and away.
The actor has been in hospital since September, 2023.
In December 2023, concerns about Mr Ibu’s health had surfaced after his family issued a statement regarding his condition.
Despite reassurances of his well-being following an amputation procedure, it appears that the actor’s health struggles ultimately took their toll.
The statement released by the family shed light on Mr Ibu’s health challenges, revealing that the amputation was necessitated by severe clotting of blood in his leg, coupled with other underlying conditions.
“The first amputation didn’t completely correct his health predicament so the doctors had to go ahead to amputate the same leg further to ensure we didn’t lose him,” the statement read.
Despite undergoing medical interventions, including multiple surgeries, the actor’s health continued to deteriorate.
“Daddy’s cause of sickness is also not diabetes but he’s had constant clotting of the blood in his leg (diseased blood vessels) and other health challenges posing risk to his life, therefore the need for the amputation,” the family statement highlighted.
Following the initial amputation, Mr Ibu’s health did not witness significant improvement, prompting further medical interventions.
Despite efforts to manage his condition, including specialised care from healthcare professionals, the actor succumbed to his ailments, leaving behind a legacy that will endure through his body of work.
Mr Ibu’s contributions to the Nigerian film industry, particularly in the realm of comedy, have left an indelible mark.
The actor’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and industry peers, who fondly remember him for his talent, humor, and larger-than-life persona.
May his soul rest in peace!
