Veteran Nollywood actor cum director, Charles Inojie, has described the death of his colleague, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, as an irreparable loss to the Nigerian movie industry.
It can be recalled that Mr. Ibu died of cardiac arrest at the age of 62 on Saturday.
Inojie revealed that the late comic actor is irreplaceable in Nollywood because casting him alone was enough to make a movie a blockbuster.
According to him, Mr. Ibu is one of the few people in Africa who, probably without saying anything, would communicate a million messages without a word from him.
“There’s sometimes you lose a person in an industry and you say, well, so or so person would replace him. But Mr. Ibu is irreplaceable. Mr. Ibu spears with every part of his body,” he said.
“He is probably one of the few people in Africa who would sit without saying anything would communicate a million messages with his facial expressions, body language, and gestures without verbalizing just one word of dramatic dialogue. That doesn’t come cheap. We are going to miss that. You have John [Okafor], you have a blockbuster,” he further noted.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on her social media page, Rita Dominic shared a poignant photo of herself alongside the late actor, reflecting on the profound impact he had on both the industry and the lives of many.
In her statement, Rita Dominic acknowledged the profound loss, describing Mr. Ibu as a gem whose presence illuminated the world.
She pointed out his remarkable ability to effortlessly bring laughter and joy to people’s lives through his talent and comedic prowess.
“Very sad news.. we have lost a gem. You made the world a better place through your talent. You made people laugh ever so effortlessly. I know you will have them in stitches in heaven..🙏🏽 You will be missed greatly… May your soul Rest In Peace till we meet to part no more…,” Rita Dominic wrote.
Victor Osuagwu and Charles Awurum, also joined other people to mourn the departed. According to them, the late Mr Ibu was a vessel load of comedy. They noted that he brought healing to many.
The two actors said they were busy on location when they heard the sad news and they were devastated. They had to leave the place.
They further added that they took permission from the producer of the film to mourn their friend. They said good night to Mr. Ibu and added that he should take care of himself where he was.
Mr. Ibu’s Body Leaves Mortuary Ahead Of Burial
Veteran Nigerian film actor, Mr Ibu’s death continues to make headlines on social media.
After his death, a new video emerged online showing his corpse being taken away from the hospital morgue.
In a video that was posted on Instagram, Mr Ibu’s body was seen being surrounded by onlookers as the hospital staff wheeled him away from the morgue to his hometown in Enugu state for his burial. It was gathered that the comic actor died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos.
His wife Stella, along with their two sons, Daniel and Valentine Okafor, was present during this somber moment. Stella, clad in all black, tearfully witnessed her husband’s body being moved, marking a poignant farewell
The video of Mr Ibu’s corpse as well as his wife’s presence among other things drew reactions from netizens.
“Chai see how the wife lost so much weight… may God give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
i_amjust_gee
“May God console his wife, she is thinking too much.”
omasiridiya1
“All I can say is that God knows the best.”
angelehigiator
“The wife lost so much weight may God comfort the family. Rip legend.”
aithabiola_:
“This woman has lost so much weight, looking so dark and malnourished.”
Odogwu_nwa_chizzy