Obi also said Mr Ibu is “one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has joined other prominent Nigerians to mourn the passing of veteran actor and comedian, John Okafor better known as Mr Ibu.
The Nollywood thespian passed away on Saturday after a long battle with an ailment.
His death was confirmed by the National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas.
Reacting to the news via his X handle, Obi said Mr Ibu’s death is a huge loss to Nigeria and the entertainment industry.
He wrote: “Just as I tweeted my condolence on the death of Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri, a lot of people, through my comments section, called my attention to the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.
“His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness. When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.
“His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.
“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days and the entire Nollywood family. We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind.
“May God who called him home grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace Mr Ibu!”
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Also speaking on the demise of the comedian, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa expressed sadness.
In a statement made available by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, she described the occurrence as “one death too many”.
Musawa said this was coming just 24 hours after the death of yet another Nollywood actor, Sisi Quadri.
She said: “I’m deeply shocked at too many deaths occurring at the same time. Mr Ibu was a household name who made families happy throughout his acting career.
“His death at this time is very unfortunate and a sad one for us all in the entertainment industry.
“We will sorely miss him. May his soul rest in peace.”
