Early Life
John Okafor hailed from Umunekwu in what is now Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. After losing his father in 1974, he moved to Sapele to live with his brother. He worked various menial jobs to support his education and family, including hairstyling, photography, and crate manufacturing. He initially gained admission to the College of Education in Yola but had to withdraw due to financial hardship. Later, he enrolled at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) in Enugu.
Career
Mr. Ibu’s comedic talent made him a household name. His acting career began in earnest in the 1990s, and he soon became known for his hilarious performances. Dubbed “Nigeria’s Borat” by some, his style blended physical comedy with sharp wit. He briefly explored a music career, releasing songs like This Girl and Do You Know in 2020.
Before acting, John Okafor trained as a boxer and worked as a football coach and karate practitioner. He was married twice and had over ten children. His later years were marked by family controversies, including allegations of financial theft by close relatives.
In late 2023, Mr. Ibu battled a severe illness that led to the amputation of one of his legs. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, he died of cardiac arrest at a hospital in Lagos at the age of 62. He was laid to rest in his hometown on June 28, 2024.
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