Mr Ibu’s Family Cries Out: Children Drop Out of School, Home Left Without Electricity After Actor’s Death

More than two years after the death of beloved Nollywood actor and comedian John Ikechukwu Okafor, his family has revealed the severe financial hardship they have been battling, saying his children have been forced out of school while basic necessities have become difficult to afford.

The emotional revelation came during a recent visit by content creator King Mitchy, when members of the late actor’s family opened up about the struggles they have endured since losing their breadwinner.

According to the family, Mr Ibu’s only daughter and two sons are no longer attending school because of unpaid fees. They also disclosed that their home has been without electricity and running water for weeks due to their inability to settle outstanding utility bills.

Speaking about the family’s situation, the children’s mother said they now depend on a well for water after failing to pay their rent and electricity bills.

“We fetch water from the well because I have not paid the house rent. They even cut my light two months ago. Every night we have to look for where to charge our phones, and it’s not easy,” she said.

Mr Ibu’s daughter also appealed to Nigerians and members of the entertainment industry to support the family, while expressing gratitude to her mother for keeping the household together despite the hardship.

“I want to thank God for my mom. She has tried everything she can to feed us, pay our school fees and make us happy. Nigerians, if you were in the industry with my dad and you’re seeing us now, please come and help us,” she pleaded.

Holding back tears, the children’s mother disclosed that the school recently contacted her again over the outstanding fees, leaving her worried about the future of the children.

Mr Ibu underwent a leg amputation in November 2023 after battling a prolonged illness that required seven surgeries. The veteran comic actor later died in Lagos on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after suffering cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy that entertained millions of Nigerians for decades.