The presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has penned a touching tribute to the late veteran actor John Okafor, professionally known as Mr Ibu.
Mr Ibu was reported dead on Saturday in Lagos where he had been receiving treatment in the hospital for an illness he ultimately succumbed to.
Taking to his verified X [formerly Twitter] handle @PeterObi on Sunday morning [today], Obi in a series of tweets said:
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! -PO
