Nollywood actor, John Okafor better known as Mr Ibu, has undergone two major surgeries.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday morning, the comic actor’s adopted daughter, Jazmine Okafor announced the development.
It can be recalled that the veteran actor celebrated his 63rd birthday in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos on Tuesday where he revealed in a video posted on Instagram that he needed financial support so his leg would not be amputated.
“I have been down for so many weeks, all I’m hoping for is your prayers and assistance. I’ve been in the hospital, and as I speak to you, I’m still lying down in the hospital. The medical director says in case his new idea didn’t work, the best idea is to cut off my leg, just see me, if they cut off my leg where will I go? Please be on prayers for me, talk to God Almighty, I don’t want my leg to be cut off. God bless you.”
Mr. Ibu
Giving an update about her father’s condition, Jazmine said that the actor tried to crack jokes like nothing happened.
She further added that this was the strongest she had seen him in three weeks.
“Never seen anyone so strong… even after two major surgeries, you were still trying to be funny as if nothing happened, even in your lowest you still cracked jokes! I promise you, if there’s a God in heaven, you are getting out of this bed, stronger and alive. This is the strongest I have seen you in 3 weeks and I’m so excited! Fight this and get well soon, sweet Papa,” she wrote.
Claims Of Neglect Denied
Nollywood actress and spokesperson for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Kate Henshaw, denied claims of neglect made by Stella Maris, the wife of actor John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu.
Stella Maris alleged that the guild had not been helpful in getting medical attention for her husband amid his health battles.
Speaking on behalf of the AGN, Kate Henshaw maintained that the guild has always supported its members, regardless of their status, especially in matters of health.
She emphasized that their aid was extended to Mr. Ibu even before he disclosed his health condition, with the full consent and knowledge of his immediate family.
“It is necessary to set the records straight over the public outcry about the AGN abandoning Mr Ibu. The Guild has never abandoned any of its members, especially those with health interventions. We’ve been at the forefront of providing necessary support for Mr Ibu even before his health condition was made public. And this was done with full knowledge of his immediate family.
“We’ve had to task members privately to help assist with our intervention for his health issues. But it would be wrong to make it public knowledge of any form of assistance we provide to our members in need.”
Kate Henshaw
In response, Stella Maris insisted that the guild’s statement was a cover-up and lacked truth.
She revealed that she hadn’t received assistance from the union before her husband’s health crisis, and her attempts to contact the Actors Guild had been unsuccessful.
Kate Henshaw fired back, accusing Stella Maris of spreading falsehoods. She firmly asserted that the Guild has supported Mr. Ibu since 2021.
While acknowledging Stella’s distress, Kate stated that labeling the Guild as unhelpful is inaccurate.
Kate Henshaw concluded by emphasizing that the focus should be on Mr. Ibu’s health and that she wouldn’t make any further statements on the matter.
The dispute revolves around the assistance provided to Mr. Ibu during his health struggles, and Kate Henshaw, as the AGN spokesperson, has defended the guild’s position.
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