The Labour Party Presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed condolences over the demise of renowned Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor ( Mr Ibu).

Mr Ibu passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in a Lagos hospital after succumbing to cardiac arrest, following series of surgeries, including the amputation of one of his legs.

Mr Ibu had sought support from fans, both in prayers and financial assistance, as he battled health issues.

Peter Obi, reflecting on the loss, took to his X page on Sunday, to say Mr Ibu’s death is a huge loss to Nigeria and the entertainment industry.

Obi extended his condolences to Mr Ibu’s family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire Nollywood community.

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!”

In March 2022, Mr Ibu was hospitalized at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre in Abuja. The actor at the time that he fell ill said he was poisoned twice by his ‘village people’ during one of his numerous trips to his country home in Nkanu West, Enugu State.

Also, in 2020, Mr Ibu claimed his relatives paid his domestic staff to poison him because of his successful career.

He had in an interview with Nigezitv recounted how he was kidnapped and poisoned at an event in Nnewi. He also noted that his protruding stomach was a result of the poison.

Mr Ibu rose to prominence in the early 2000s for his comedic roles in Nollywood films such as “Mr Ibu in London,” “Mr Ibu and His Son,” “Coffin Producers,” “Husband Suppliers,” and “International Players.”