Nigerian Actor Mr. Ibu’s leg amputated for medical reasons, seeks support

Relatives of the renowned Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, have revealed that his leg was amputated due to medical reasons. According to a statement posted on his Instagram page, doctors had to make the difficult decision to amputate his leg in order to save his life.

The family statement reads, «This development has been hard on us all but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality».

The statement did not disclose the specific illness that led to the leg amputation.

John Okafor, 62, is a well-known figure in Nollywood, with a prolific career that includes roles in numerous films such as «Keziah», «9 Wives», and «Mr. Ibu in London».

The statement mentioned that Mr. Ibu has undergone seven rounds of surgery and requires one more.

It also noted that former Senate President Bukola Saraki has contributed to covering some of the actor’s medical expenses, while the family is appealing to fans and well-wishers to help with the remaining costs, without specifying the amount.

The article highlights the common practice of Nollywood actors seeking financial assistance for medical bills and raises questions about the financial challenges faced by some actors in the industry.

While top actors in Nollywood can earn significant sums, lower-profile actors often receive little or no payment.

Healthcare in Nigeria can be expensive, with many relying on private medical care.

This situation underscores the need for support within the industry to ensure that actors, regardless of their status, have access to adequate healthcare and financial assistance when facing health challenges.

Source: bbc.com