Paulina
Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has faced criticism from fans after he asked for financial support and prayers as he faces the possibility of having his leg amputated. In a viral video, Mr Ibu celebrated his birthday in hospital and expressed his fears about losing his leg. Fans criticized both Nollywood and Mr Ibu’s colleagues for not doing enough to support the actor. However, some actors defended Mr Ibu and called for support. The Actors Guild of Nigeria also clarified that they have been providing assistance to Mr Ibu privately, as they do not publicly announce such support.
Fans have criticized Nollywood for allowing popular comic actor, John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, to appeal for financial support and prayers as he faces the possibility of having his leg amputated.
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, a viral video surfaced of the actor celebrating his birthday with his family members in a hospital while requesting assistance.
In the video, Okafor expressed his concern, stating, “As I speak to you, I am lying down in the hospital; the medical director of this hospital said if the next procedure does not work, my leg has to be cut off.
“If they cut off my leg, where do I go from here? Please pray for me; talk to God Almighty, and I don’t want my legs to be cut off.”
His daughter, Jasmine, added, “As a family, we want to appeal that at this point, people should come to daddy’s aid and rescue. In the past two weeks, daddy has been very down, so we took him to the hospital. I have been sorting the bills, thinking I can do it alone.”
This sparked various reactions from fans who believed that Nollywood was not doing enough to ensure the financial well-being of veteran actors. Mr Ibu’s colleagues were also criticized for their lack of involvement in assisting him.
Uche Madagwu, a controversial actor, responded to the viral video, saying, “Nollywood actors, especially the wealthy ones we call legends are always quick to spray money and donate cows at colleagues’ parents’ burial ceremonies, but slow to assist them when they are alive and need help.”
Similarly, Martins Otse, aka Very Dark Black Man, a controversial TikToker, expressed his disappointment, stating, “I am ashamed of Nollywood because they are supposed to have a structure put in place to take care of veteran actors. At this point, Nollywood ought to be paying veteran actors.”
However, other actors condemned the critics and called for support for Mr Ibu. Kanayo O. Kanayo, an actor, responded to Very Dark Black Man’s criticism, saying, “Gaining traction with someone’s misfortune, handicap, and ill luck is wicked. Give, if you have to, without calling for the attention of social media. One Very Dark Man calling top actors shameless is unruly and attention-seeking. Mr Ibu, please get well soon.”
Actress Omah Nnadi also defended the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), saying, “Oh this guy (Very Dark Black Man) shut up and say what you know. Who told you the Actors Guild of Nigeria is not doing anything? You are beginning to sound stupid.”
Popular musician Peter Okoye, aka Mr P, received criticism from online critics after he posted the video of Mr Ibu’s plea for help on his Instagram page. He pledged his support and urged others to do the same.
One Instagram user, Iyayi Faith, commented, “Public donation for Mr Ibu is a shame to the industry.”
Another fan, Ayotunde, suggested, “To be frank with you sir, only you should be able to foot this legend’s bill. I am sure the required funds are not up to your shows/concert abroad.”
When reached out for comment, Mr Ibu’s daughter, Jasmine, declined interviews. Correspondence with the AGN President, Emeka Rollas, went unanswered.
Kate Henshaw, the AGN’s Director of Communications, addressed the situation in a video on Instagram, stating, “We want to set the record straight over the public outcry that the guild and his colleagues have abandoned him at his point of need. We have been at the forefront of providing necessary support for Mr Ibu even before his health condition was ever made public.
“We have had to privately task members to help in providing assistance towards the intervention. We do not make public any form of assistance to our members.”
