Family, friends and colleagues of late actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, have gathered in their numbers to pay their last respects as he is laid to rest in Enugu.
The final funeral rites kicked off on Friday in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The funeral has drawn a significant crowd, causing heavy traffic, as seen in a video shared on social media by the late actor’s adopted daughter, Jasmine.
Videos circulating on social media show the arrival of Mr. Ibu’s body as attendees bid him final farewell. Musical bands have also assembled, honouring the beloved actor with songs, chants, and dances.
Among the attendees is the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi.
A night of tributes was held in Mr. Ibu’s honour on Wednesday in Enugu which fellow actors Charles Awurum and Victor Osuagwu among others attended.
Earlier, the Actors Guild of Nigeria organised a candlelight procession in Lagos and Abuja to honour Mr. Ibu and other deceased actors. The Lagos procession started at Marshal Roundabout in Surulere and ended at the National Stadium, Surulere on June 17. In Abuja, attendees gathered at the Unity Fountain on the same date.
Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, after a prolonged illness. In October 2023, he publicly revealed his struggle with diabetes, and in November, his leg was amputated following seven surgeries.
