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By Madu Obi
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi and the governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo have mourned the demise of the Nollywood actor, John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
Mr. Ibu died on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at Evercare Hospital, Lekki in Lagos State.
In their separate reactions, they described Ibu's death as a huge loss to the entertainment industry and the nation.
In a post via his X account, Obi said Mr. Ibu’s death was very saddening because he was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness.
Obi's post read: “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, which 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."
In his reaction, Governor Chukwuma Soludo expressed profound sadness over the shocking news of the death of veteran actor.
In a statement through his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo regreted that Mr. Okafor's passing has left a significant void in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
The governor said that the late actor's comedic genius, infectious laughter, and captivating screen presence brought joy and laughter to millions across the country and beyond.
Soludo noted that having acted in over 200 movies in his career, it is acknowledged that the immense contributions Mr. Okafor made to the growth and development of Nollywood and the creative industry will remain evergreen.
He remarked that Mr. Ibu's dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages cemented his place as a true legend of the industry.
"On behalf of the government and people of Anambra State, I commiserate with Mr. Okafor's family, friends, and colleagues, including the Actors Guild of Nigeria, during this difficult time", the governor said.
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