We examine the net worth, age, family, wife and career journey of the 62-year-old Nollywood actor John Okafor, who died on Saturday
Nollywood mourns the passing of the renowned Nigerian actor and comedian John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu. He battled illness since October and succumbed to a cardiac arrest at the age of 62 on Saturday, as confirmed by the Actors Guild of Nigeria.
Who is Nigerian actor John Okafor, cause of death reason, obituary, net worth in 2024, bio, age, first wife and children
Okafor achieved widespread recognition for his roles in successful films such as the 2004 hit “Mr Ibu” and its sequel “Mr Ibu in London,” earning him the moniker Mr Ibu. Emeka Rollas, the National President of the , announced Okafor’s demise via Instagram on March 2.
Rest in peace, Mr. Ibu. Your spirit will continue to light up the world. 💔 #RIPMrIbu #JohnOkafor #LegendGoneTooSoon pic.twitter.com/cdkw2Hs2UQ
— Stephanie Linus (MFR) (@StephanieLinus) March 3, 2024
Who is John Okafor?
John Ikechukwu Okafor, born on 17 October 1961, hailed from Umunekwu in Nigeria’s former Eastern Region. Following elementary school and his father’s demise in 1974, Okafor relocated to Sapele to reside with his brother. In Sapele, he engaged in menial tasks to fund his education and support his family. He pursued a career as a hairstylist, delved into photography, and held a position at a crate-producing company.
Okafor transitioned from boxing, coaching football, and practicing karate before embarking on his acting career. He married twice during his lifetime and fathered more than 10 children, with one known to have passed away. His son Daniel and adopted daughter Jasmine allegedly hacked his phone and stole $60,700 from him, leading to their arrest in January 2024. After Okafor’s demise, Jasmine rebranded his million-follower TikTok account under her own name.
John Okafor was married to second wife Stella Maris Okafor and on May 25, 2010, John Okafor married Stella in an Igbo-traditional ceremony, and in 2015, they had a white wedding. Stella Chinyere Okafor is a native of Mbaise, Nigeria’s Imo State and they had four children together.
The 62-year-old actor had to have his leg amputated last year due to health issues and also had dementia. He is survived by his wife, Stella Maris Okafor, and his children, Emmanuel Mandela Okafor, Chelsea Okafor, Jay Jay Okafor, and Jasmine Okafor. Details about his first wife aren’t known. John had a net worth of $3-4 million.
Born: 17 October 1961, Nkanu West, Nigeria
Died: 2 March 2024 (age 62 years)
Children: Emmanuel Mandela Okafor, Chelsea Okafor, Jay Jay Okafor
Spouse: Stella Maris Okafor (m. 2015)
Siblings: Queen Chioma Egboh
Education: Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu
we examine the personal life details about John Okafor:
- Full Name: John Ikechukwu Okafor
- Birthday: 17 October 1961 (Umunekwu, Eastern Region, Nigeria)
- Death: 2 March 2024 (Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria)
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Education: Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu
What is the reason behind Okafor’s death?
In October, Okafor and his family publicly shared his health challenges, seeking prayers and financial aid for his severe illness. Despite undergoing surgeries, including the amputation of one leg, Okafor’s health continued to decline. In December, complications necessitated the amputation of the same leg. Contrary to initial speculation, Okafor’s health issues were not related to diabetes but rather stemmed from persistent blood clotting in his leg’s deceased blood vessels.
John Okafor passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos, with his loved ones by his side. Through Instagram, the Actors Guild of Nigeria paid tribute to Okafor, hailing him as a Nollywood icon who brought immense joy and laughter to audiences nationwide. Undoubtedly, this tribute will encourage everyone to remember Okafor fondly and thank him for spreading happiness to numerous households throughout Nigeria.