John Ikechukwu Okafor, better known by his stage name Mr. Ibu, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, and writer.
He is one of the comic industry’s most accomplished actors. He has written some comedy movies, including Ngozi: Abeg Marry Us (2003), Ibu in London (2004), Honeymoon Guys (2015), and a few others.
Mr Ibu Biography
John Ikechukwu Okafor was born on October 17, 1961.
He is from Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. After primary school, in 1974, Okafor relocated to Sapele to live with his brother after his father’s demise. He took menial jobs in Sapele, Delta State, to sponsor himself to school and support his family. He then started a photography business, worked as a hairstylist, and was employed by a firm that made crates.
He got accepted into the Yola College of Education after secondary school but dropped out due to financial issues. As soon as he could afford it, he enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, where he studied Mass Communication.
Career
Mr Ibu was a broadcaster for Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS). He was cast in the soap opera Ogbu Anyanwu and Kwere Kira while he worked at ABS. He also used to be a martial artist. After 16 years of training in Shotokan Karate, he earned his black belt in 1983. Mr. Ibu is a part of the Nigerian Karate Federation as well. He claimed to be the first karate teacher in Nigeria’s federal government colleges.
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Mr Ibu was formerly a trader. He partnered with a few friends to purchase fairly-used clothing, shoes, medical supplies, and other items from Niger and sold them in Nigeria.
He began acting in high school, but he had no idea that he could make people laugh. He entered Nollywood in 1998 under the name Continuity.
Mr Ibu claimed he had to travel from Enugu to Surulere in Lagos to attend movie auditions. However, he was often disappointed as directors preferred attractive men for their production.
Since then, the humorous actor has starred in dozens of films, including a few with Aki and Pawpaw, both of whom he appreciates for their originality and with whom he enjoys working. He first gained fame in 2004 when he appeared in the film Mr. Ibu, which is what gave him his well-known moniker.
Since then, he has appeared in more than 200 films, including Keziah (2007), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006), and Mr. Ibu in London (2004).
While he was acting, producers started uncovering his comedic side. He was especially discovered by Alex Ezeamaku, the MD, Zalex Production. In 1997, Alex gave John a role. The directors were delighted by Okafor’s performance as the idiot. After that, he started acting in films and got his comic ideas from Nkem Owoh, Zebrudaya, and co. He is a valiant actor now and has been in several films.
In a 2009 interview, Mr. Ibu spoke about how Jim Iyke approached him about joining the profession and how he helped him. Other successful actors and actresses have also entered the industry through the comedian who has been cited as an inspiration by numerous other comedians.
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Mr Ibu movies
Some of the movies he has featured in include:
- Agony.
- Vuga.
- Ngozi: Abeg Marry Us.
- Police Recruit.
- Nicodemus.
- Noami.
- Fresh Pain.
- Informant.
- Civil War.
- Bullet.
- Unbreakable.
- Mr Ibu in London.
- Mr Ibu.
- James and John.
- Dollars from Germany.
- The Councillor.
- Joshua.
- Common Sense.
- Circles of Live.
- 9 Wives.
- The Return of Mama G.
- The Journalist.
- Sweet Mama.
- Store Keeper.
- Recharge Card.
- Men On the Run.
- Final Surrender.
- Brainwash.
- Captain.
- Basket Mouth.
- Desperate Search.
- Honeymoon Guys.
Awards
The Governor of Enugu State has named Okafor the Best Comedian. Additionally, he won the best comedian prize at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. His additional honours are;
Best Movie Actor of the Year, Peace Ambassadors of Nigeria, 2014 and Awards of Excellence, Magic Lens Africa Film Academy , 2016.
Mr Ibu net worth
John Okafor’s net worth is estimated at $4.2 million. He is one of the most well-known actors in Nigeria. In 2014, he received endorsements from Merrybet and GOtv as well.
Family
Mr. Ibu claimed to be single in an interview in 2009 but also admitted that he has kids. Later, it was revealed in the media that Mr. Ibu’s son had been taken by his ex-wife, who had then freed him after being paid the required ransom. Emmanuel Okafor, the kidnapped boy, later passed away from food poisoning, which he supposedly blamed on his ex-wife.
Mr Ibu married Stella Maris Okafor in 2015; they have children together.
Where is Mr Ibu now
Mr. Ibu, who fell sick recently and sought treatment at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Center in Abuja, has recovered and was released from the hospital. He is currently back in his movie career.
Contrary to claims that the beloved comedy actor was poisoned at a show in Abuja, Mr. Ibu claimed that he was poisoned on one of his frequent visits to his rural home in Nkanu West, Enugu State. He said two attempts to end his life by his “village people” were unsuccessful.
Conclusion
He is acknowledged as Nollywood’s funniest actor. He has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s highest-paid comedians. He has a reputation for taking on comic roles in comedies. He has more than 21 years of experience in the field.
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