The widow of late Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has appealed to Nigerians for assistance, revealing that she and her children are facing severe financial hardship more than two years after the actor’s death.
The appeal was made during a video interview with content creator, King Mitchy, which gained attention online on Wednesday.
In the emotional interview, Mr Ibu’s wife and children opened up about the challenges they have been facing while trying to cope with life after the loss of the veteran actor.
Speaking about their current condition, the widow disclosed that the family had been living without electricity for approximately two months after their power supply was disconnected due to unpaid bills.
She said the financial difficulties had made it impossible for her to settle outstanding obligations, including rent and utility expenses.
According to her, the family has been forced to rely on water from a well because they cannot afford other basic necessities.
“We fetch water from the well. Because I have not paid the house rent. And they have even cut my lights for two months now. No lights since. We have been like that. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. And… It’s not easy,” she said.
The widow described the situation as difficult and heartbreaking, noting that she has been doing everything within her power to provide for her children despite limited resources.
One of the actor’s daughters expressed appreciation for her mother’s sacrifices and resilience in keeping the family together during the difficult period.
“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, to pay our school fees, to make us happy,” the daughter said.
The family’s financial challenges have also affected the children’s education, with the widow revealing that they are at risk of dropping out of school because their fees remain unpaid.
She explained that the situation had become increasingly urgent and disclosed that the school recently sent a message regarding the outstanding payments.
“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she stated.
The content creator who conducted the interview explained that the purpose of the video was to draw attention to the family’s plight and seek support from members of the public.
According to her, assistance is being sought to help the family pay school fees, settle outstanding rent and reconnect electricity to their home.
Mr Ibu was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comic actors, earning fame for his humorous roles in numerous Nollywood productions.
The veteran entertainer passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans across Nigeria and beyond.
His death sparked widespread tributes from colleagues, fans and public figures who remembered him for his contributions to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.
More than two years after his passing, his family is now appealing for support as they navigate the financial challenges left in the wake of his death.
