National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas has revealed the cause of Mr Ibu’s demise.
In a solemn Instagram post, Rollas disclosed that the esteemed Nollywood actor, John Okafor, widely recognized as Mr Ibu, departed on Saturday, March 2, 2024, succumbing to an unforeseen cardiac arrest.

Rollas expressed profound condolences not only for the loss of Mr Ibu but also for another luminary in the Nigerian entertainment sphere, Kate Henshaw, who tragically lost her mother on the same somber Saturday. The dual blow of these losses cast a palpable sorrow over the Actors Guild of Nigeria, prompting Rollas to share the sorrowful news with a heavy heart.

In his Instagram announcement, Rollas conveyed, “A Sad Day for the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today, and Mr Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest, as reported by his manager of 24 years, Mr. Don Single Nwuzor. It is with a deep sense of grief that I announce Mr Ibu’s passing. May his soul rest in peace.”

The untimely departure of Mr Ibu, at the age of 62, marks the conclusion of an era in Nollywood, leaving behind a legacy that will be fondly remembered and celebrated by fans and the broader entertainment industry.