John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, is a Nigerian actor, comedian, producer, and writer. He was born on October 17, 1961, in Enugu State, Nigeria, and is currently 62 years old.
Here is a comprehensive biography of Mr. Ibu, including his education, career, marriage, movies, and achievements as gathered by StechiteGist Media.
Education
After elementary school, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother after his father’s demise. In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family. He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography, and also worked in a company that produces crates.
After secondary school, he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, where he studied Mass Communication.
Career
John Okafor joined the Nigerian movie industry in 1998 but could not get lucrative roles as producers did not give him a chance to showcase his talent in major projects. He rose to prominence in 2004 for his role in the blockbuster comic movie, “Mr. Ibu,” where he played the father of a troublesome son. Osita Iheme played the role of the son.
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The duo made the movie an extremely comic one that spread all over the country, and it was recognized as the best comedy project then. His effort in the movie bagged him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Comic Actor in Nigeria in 2005. He also earned his nickname “Mr. Ibu” from the movie.
Okafor has acted in more than 200 Nollywood movies, including Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr.Ibu in London, Police Recruit, and many more.
Marriage
Mr. Ibu is married to Stella Maris Okafor, and they have three children, Emmanuel, Chelsea, and Jay Jay
Movies
Mr. Ibu has acted in over 200 Nollywood movies, including:
- Mr. Ibu
- Mr. Ibu and His Son
- Coffin Producers
- Husband Suppliers
- International Players
- Mr. Ibu in London
- Police Recruit
- The Album
- The Eve
- Mr. Ibu in Liberia
- Price of Deceit
- London Fever
- Honeymoon Guy
- Oga Abuja
- A Fool at 40
- Toronto Connection
- Ibu in Prison
- Police Recruit
- Mental Case
Achievements
Mr. Ibu has won several awards for his contributions to the Nigerian movie industry, including:
- Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Comic Actor in Nigeria in 2005
- Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in 2018.
Controversy
In November 2013, Mr. Ibu made a controversial statement about homosexuality, calling it “the biggest virus in Nollywood”.
In March 2022, he survived a near-death experience after he was poisoned at an event in Nigeria. After being poisoned, his stomach grew so big that he could not see his legs. Mr. Ibu was admitted to a private hospital, where he was treated. He was discharged after spending a few days in the hospital. The comedian attributes his being alive to God
