Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the late comic actor John Okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu, and his inability to seek medical treatment abroad before his passing.
According to Rollas, Mr. Ibu faced rejection from hospitals in both the United States and India due to the severity of his condition, which made it too risky for him to undertake international travel. Despite efforts by Mr. Ibu’s family and supporters to arrange for him to receive treatment overseas, medical professionals advised against it, citing concerns about the actor’s ability to survive the journey.
The news of Mr. Ibu’s health struggles had garnered widespread attention, prompting him to appeal to the public for financial assistance as his condition deteriorated. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries, including the amputation of one of his legs in a bid to prolong his life, the actor’s health continued to decline.
Rollas, in a recent interview, explained that the decision not to send Mr. Ibu abroad for treatment was based on medical assessments that concluded he would not be able to withstand the rigors of international travel given the seriousness of his prognosis.
John Okafor, known affectionately as Mr. Ibu, passed away on March 2 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment in the Nigerian film industry. His death marked the end of a chapter in Nollywood history, as fans and colleagues mourned the loss of a beloved figure whose comedic talent had endeared him to audiences around the world.
