A prominent figure in the Nollywood film industry, Charles Inojie expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned Nigerian actor John Okafor, affectionately known as Mr. Ibu.
Inojie emphasized that the industry has suffered an immeasurable blow, highlighting Mr. Ibu’s irreplaceable nature and his unparalleled impact on the world of cinema.
Praising Mr Ibu’s exceptional acting skills, Inojie acknowledged that any film featuring Mr Ibu was destined for success.
He marvelled at Mr Ibu’s ability to convey a myriad of emotions without uttering a single word, underscoring the unique talent that set him apart.
Inojie lamented, “Mr Ibu spears every part of his body,” emphasising the void left by the actor’s demise.
“There are sometimes you lose a person in an industry and you say, well, this person would replace him. But Mr Ibu is irreplaceable. Mr Ibu spears with every part of his body.
“He is probably one of the few people in Africa that would sit without saying anything, and would communicate a million messages with his facial expressions, body language and gestures without verbalising just one word of dramatic dialogue. That doesn’t come cheap. We are going to miss that,” Mr Inojie stated.
The confirmation of John Okafor’s death came from Emeka Rollas, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
Mr Ibu passed away on Saturday, March 2, at the age of 62, succumbing to cardiac arrest after months of battling illness.
Rollas revealed that the actor had undergone multiple surgeries, leading to the amputation of one of his legs.
Before his demise, Mr Ibu left an indelible mark on Nollywood, featuring in over 200 movies. His breakthrough came in 2004 with the film “Mr Ibu,” portraying the hilarious escapades of a single father and his son.
The actor’s ability to elicit laughter solely through facial expressions and body language distinguished him from his peers, making him a beloved figure in the industry.
As the news of Mr. Ibu’s passing reverberates through Nollywood, colleagues and fans alike mourn the loss of a true cinematic legend.
Watch video below:
Now this video hits very differently.
— Veezy (@veezyveezy12) March 3, 2024
Rip JOHN OKAFOR
Your Mr ibu persona would always live long in our memories 🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Fr3NadT2Km