Nigerians from all walks of life, including President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Peter Obi, Governor Charles Soludo and Nollywood stars have continued to pay tribute to John Okafor, famously known as Mr Ibu, and Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri following his passing last weekend.
President Tinubu, in a statement, consoled the families of “these gifted thespians who brought joy and relief to millions of Nigerians by the exercise of their geniuses.”
He urged the bereaved to take solace in the truth that though these beloved Nigerians have passed on, they lived through their works which would remain an inspiration and a fount of good cheer for many.
The president also commiserated with the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) and the entire creative community, assuring them of his support, thoughts, and prayers in this time of grief.
Reacting, the former Anambra governor In a post via his X account, said Ibu’s “death is very saddening” because “he was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness.”
“Just as I tweeted my condolences 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.
Similarly, Governor Soludo lamented that Mr. Okafor’s passing has left a significant void in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
He recalled that the late actor’s comedic genius, infectious laughter, and captivating screen presence brought joy and laughter to millions across the country and beyond.
Governor Soludo noted that having acted in over 200 movies in his career, it is acknowledged that the immense contributions Mr. Okafor made to the growth and development of Nollywood and the creative industry will remain evergreen.
He remarked that his dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages cemented his place as a true legend of the industry.
More tributes for Nollywood icon late Mr Ibu
Some Nollywood stars also took to their social media platforms to pay tribute to their colleagues.
Actor Ime Bishop Umoh wrote, “My dear friend and brother John, your valor in the battle of life was unmatched. Your humor, so elite and effortless, lit up our world like a beacon.’ What a humor smith you were! .The memories we shared are etched in our hearts and minds, immortalising you even as you rest.Thank you brother, may you slumber peacefully Mr Ibu. Live on. forever big brother, go make the angels laugh.”
Comedian actor Bovi Ugboma wrote: “The passing of John Okafor aka Mr Ibu is asadd chapter in Nigerian entertainment history. Let’s take solace in the fact that his work will live and will inspire generations unborn. RIP to one of the great”.
Veteran actor Babajide Kosoko wrote, “Goodbye Mr Ibu, you have done your bit . God knows best”.
Actress Funke Akindele wrote, “Uncle John!!! May his soul rest in peace”.
Mercy Johnson Okojie wrote: ” It is well…..Rest well sir.
Patience Ozokwo wrote, ” Where O death is your victory? Where I death is your sting? 1 Corinthians 15 vs 55, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more noise, everlasting peace.
Osuofia Nkem Owoh wrote, ” Gone from our sights but never from our hearts. We hold you close in our thoughts. RIP Mr Ibu.
Zubby Michael wrote,” Alumelu.
Destiny Etiko wrote, ” This shouldn’t be true. This guy me differently. God RIP our legend.
Chizzy Alichi wrote, “Words fail me. I prayed and hoped that it was all rumour. Rest well.
Mike Ezurounye wrote,” People should just learn humility because this life hmmmm……Rest in peace.