Inside Nigeria
Another Tragedy Hits Nollywood as Mr. Ibu Dies
…His death came just as Sisi Quadri was buried in Iwo
By Damola Emmanuel
A day after death snatched one of its best comedians, Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, Nollywood has lost another prominent member of its comedic veterans who became famous with their witty remarks, Mr. John Okafor, a.k.a Mr. Ibu.
Mr. Ibu, according to a statement by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Rollas, suffered a heart attack on Saturday and gave up the ghost.
The comedian’s sudden demise came hours after Sisi Quadri was buried at Iwo, his home town in Osun State. Sisi Quadri was 44 and survived by his wife and two children.
According to Mr. Toyin Olaiya, his boss at the theatre group he joined in 1996, Sisi Quadri reportedly took ill on location and was rushed to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where he died on Friday.
Mr. Ibu, who died at the age of 62, had been seriously ill for some time, culminating in the amputation of one of his legs. He is survived by his wife and children.
Rollas broke the sad news of Mr. Ibu’s death on Instagram, on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow within the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the wider Nollywood community.
“Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria,” he wrote. “Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr lbu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager for 24 years Mr Don Single Nwuzor. I announce with a deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace.”
It was a sad ending for the comic icon whose performances illuminated many homes and brought ethereal joy to many across the country and beyond.
Mr. Ibu’s travails may have begun way back in 2020 when he alleged that he had been poisoned by one of his staff members, resulting in his swollen stomach and other scary symptoms requiring diligent medical attention.
At some point, rumours were rife that he was suffering from diabetes. But this was disputed by his doctors who said he had recurring clotting of the blood vessels in his leg.
Last November, Mr. Ibu’s leg was amputated. Yet, the worst was not over as the leg was further amputated sequel to some complications. Moved by the comedian’s health travails, many Nigerians donated generously to save him. Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki’s Foundation took care of most of the comedian’s medical expenses.
Still, the problem persisted. Sadly, Mr. Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday and went the way of all flesh.
The Crest prays God to comfort the Families of Mr. Ibu and Sisi Quadri and grant their sweet spirits blissful repose in His bosom.
