The family of actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has confirmed that one of his legs has been amputated.
Ibu’s daughter, Jazimine Okafor disclosed this in a statement shared via Instagram on Monday, 6 November, 2023.
She wrote: “Good afternoon, Nigerians. We want to appreciate everyone who has come through for our dad, saying we are grateful is an understatement and only the good Lord can thank you all enough for every help you’ve rendered.
“As of 1 pm, noon today, Daddy has gone through 7 successful surgeries but to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery, one of his legs had to be amputated. This development has been hard on us all but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive.
“Please we are still soliciting for support from well-meaning Nigerians as this stage Daddy is still one very delicate one and he needs all the help he can get.
“Thank you, everyone, the Okafor family is grateful and we don’t take you for granted. In due time Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported during this period as soon as he’s stable!”
On October 31, Mr Ibu’s family expressed gratitude to God and the general public for their support and encouragement, while disclosing that he was recovering in an intensive care unit (ICU) after undergoing five successful surgeries.
The movie star celebrated his 63rd birthday in an undisclosed hospital in Lagos on Tuesday, 17 October, 2023.
He revealed in a video posted on Instagram on Wednesday, 18 October, 2023, that he needed financial support so his leg would not be amputated.
On Saturday, 21 October, 2023, it was reported that the Bukola Saraki Foundation had paid the medical bills of ailing actor.
This happened after Ibu’s wife, Stella Maris put up a video, claiming that the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) lied about helping her husband, the statement was immediately debunked by the Guild’s Director of Communications, Kate Henshaw who insisted that the Guild has been supporting Mr Ibu.
