John Okafor: Biography, Career, Movies & More

Popularly called Mr Ibu, John Okafor is a Nigerian actor and comedian. He has been known for movies like Mr Ibu, Mr Ibu in London, Police Recruit, 9 Wives, Ibu in Prison and Keziah.

He is also known for his humorous acting and hilarious imbecility which often conveys a sharp disconnection from reality.

In this post, we take a look at how this comedic actor has made a name for himself in the movie industry and many more.

Early Life

Okafor was born on the 17th of October in 1961. The actor grew up in a very poor family and was raised by his mother in Umunekwu Village in Eziokwe, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The actor revealed that he did a host of odd jobs to make ends meet when he lost his father. These include selling fire wood, hair dressing, assembling wooden crates of minerals, snapping of wait-and-take pictures and butchering.

Education

Okafor attended secondary school in Sapele before proceeding to the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu where he enrolled in a part time course.

Interestingly many people think the actor isn’t educated because of the way he portrays himself in movies.

Movies

  • Ibu
  • Ibu in prison
  • Mr Ibu in London
  • Keziah
  • 9 wives
  • Ibu Runs Mad in America

Networth

John Okafor is said to be one of the wealthiest Nollywood comedian actors with an estimated net worth of $4.2 million.

Robbery

In January 2018, Okafor reported that a two-man gang stormed his Festac home and carted away cash and valuables worth over N14 million. The robbers have since being apprehended.

Career

At a time, Okafor was a boxer, but the actor disclosed he had to call it quits with boxing when his face was battered in championship fight by a Delta boy.

The actor revealed that he couldn’t recognize his face after the contest and he could only open one eye for some time.

Acting

The actor revealed that acting is natural to him. According to Okafor, it doesn’t take him time to interprete the roles he is given.

Nickname (Ibu)

The name, Ibu is actually his nickname from childhood. The actor revealed that his grandfather bore the name and he took after him.

He got the name when a movie he featured in was titled John Ibu Okafor, the name later evolved to Mr John Ibu then finally Mr Ibu.

 

Embarassing moment

The actor revealed that his most embarrassing moment happened when he was on the road and he met some of his fans who demanded that he should alight from his vehicle.

He said when he came down, someone kept knocking his head from behind and every time he looked back to identify the person he would only see people smiling. According to the actress, he was in pains but he just had to bear it because these were his fans.

Marriage

Okafor has been married twice. His current wife is an actress. According to him, his first son is showing interest in acting but he hasn’t been encouraging him. He also revealed that his first son is married with two kids which makes him a grandfather.

Homosexualism

Okafor is a vocal critic of homosexuals and he believed they have quite prominent in the industry. The actor also revealed that he has been sexually harassed by a homosexual. According to him, the man approached him but he shouted at him publicly.

Humble Beginning

Some time in 1997, the actor revealed that he was once homeless and he could barely feed himself. During this period, thoughts of suicide came up in his mind.

There was a time he had not eaten for 3 days, it was that period in he decided to jump into a well somewhere in Ajao Estate

He had just been kicked out of the apartment he was squatting as the owner of the house didn’t want to see him again.

It was at this point he saw the well and wanted to jump into it but he remembered his mother and the song he heard at that time which was, When I’m back on my feet again by Michael Bolton gave him the strength to carry on and stay alive.

 

The actor revealed that he used to trek Ajao Estate to Festac almost everyday in search of auditions

In 2017, the actor also revealed that he’s shooting a movie on Xenophobia in South Africa which will involve actors from countries like Liberia, Kenya, Ghana and Botswana but the main crux of the cast will be from South Africa.

The movie will be shot in locations in South Africa, Kenya and Botswana.

Movies

Ibru has starred in over 300 movies since his debut in 1998.

The actor featured in a recent movie where he starred alongside Beverly Naya, The Eve. The other stars in the movie include Ronke Odusanya, Ronke Oshodi-Oke Ojo, Kunle Remi, Meg Otanwa and Adeolu Adefarasin.

 

The movie is directed by Tosin Igho, and produced by Hauwa Allahbura. The plot of the story revolves around a young man, Funsho, who is about to marry his longtime girlfriend, Yewande, in two days but when his identity is mistaken as a single friend by Alero, they both share something real until eventually she discovers he is engaged and Yewande discovers his acts with Alero.

At the end of it all, Funsho is left to face the consequences of his actions. The movie is yet to be released but it is expected in 2018.

Kidnapping

The actor revealed that he has been kidnapped twice. He has associated his kidnap attempt with people thinking he is rich. The actor also think social media has contributed to this; as a result, he has decided not to show off again on social media to avoid being kidnapped again.

However, one of the kidnap attempts was organized by his ex-wife. He was abducted along with his wife and child but they were later released after 10 days. The actor revealed that he had to pay a ransom before he was let go.

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