Late Nollywood Star Mr Ibu’s Widow Appeals for Help as Family Faces Financial Hardship
Published on June 26, 2026 at 8:43 AM by Evance Kapito
The widow of late Nollywood legend John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has made an emotional appeal for financial assistance, revealing that she and her children are struggling to pay rent, school fees and other basic necessities more than two years after the actor’s death.
The appeal was made during a video interview with Nigerian content creator King Mitchy, in which Mr Ibu’s widow and children opened up about the family’s difficult living conditions.
Fighting back tears, the widow disclosed that their electricity had been disconnected for nearly two months due to unpaid bills, forcing the family to live without power.
“We fetch water from the well because I have not paid the house rent. They cut our electricity two months ago. Every night we have to look for somewhere to charge our phones. It’s not easy,” she said.
She also revealed that her children’s education is now at risk because she can no longer afford their school fees.
“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she said.
One of the couple’s daughters praised her mother for doing everything possible to keep the family together despite the financial difficulties.
“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, pay our school fees and make us happy,” she said.
According to King Mitchy, the appeal aims to raise support to help the family settle outstanding rent, restore electricity and enable the children to return to school.
Mr Ibu, whose real name was John Okafor, died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness.
The veteran actor was one of Africa’s most beloved comedians and became a household name through his roles in numerous Nollywood productions, including Mr. Ibu Spanner, earning millions of fans across the continent, including Malawi.
The family’s appeal has sparked an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with many fans calling on Nigerians and well-wishers to support the family of the late comic icon.
