Posted by The late Nollywood comedy actor John Okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu, was even more well-known in nations such as Botswana, Gambia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, according to Dominic Nwuzoru, who was Okafor’s manager.
He went on to say that Mr. Ibu’s love for his nation, Nigeria, shone through as he used humor to bring Africans together in unity and peace.
This was said during an interview he gave on Sunday in Abuja to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The late renowned comic, he claims, received several accolades from African leaders and communities when he was alive.
Nwuzoru recalled the story of two feuding tribes in Ghana and how John’s performance brought them together and ultimately led to their reconciliation.
“Following this, he was bestowed the chieftaincy title of ‘Malangula I of Tamale Land,’ which translates to ‘the peacemaker.’ I was subsequently appointed the ‘Ngulala,’ which means ‘the mouthpiece of the peacemaker.'”
Since they were hearing a lot of bad things about Nigeria when we were in Botswana, he wanted to express how patriotic and proud he was of his country.
“He was a man who, in my opinion, brought joy to the African people and was revered as a leader of the African people.”
He went on to say, “Mr. Ibu, as John was affectionately called, was not merely an actor; he was an ambassador for Nollywood who advocated for African unity, joy, and peace via his skill and humor.
John and I became friends when I signed him in 2004, and our relationship continued to flourish until his passing.
During the first two years of the contract, I refrained from interfering with his dealings with any person or group associated with Nigerian film.
However, before we proceed with anything related to international showbiz, I need to have a conversation with the promoters about the fundamental access requirements.
I learned about John’s fame beyond Nigeria’s borders when I saw that there was no airport in Africa where a throng of supporters would not congregate to greet him.
“I can assure you that he was even more revered in nations such as Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Garbon, and Botswana; he continually displayed his patriotism by hoisting the Nigerian flag,” he remarked.
Nwuzoru claims that the late actor used his acting career to promote a positive image of Nigeria abroad, particularly in nations where the country has a bad reputation.
Among the good things that other countries wanted to hear about Nigeria was John’s story, and he was much anticipated by everyone, even world presidents, he added.
Even a two-year-old in Ghana knows who Mr. Ibu is because of his warmth and uniqueness; he does not imitate anyone else; and he is very good at what he does.
“We even received calls from the Caribbean; it was all because of John that foreigners fell in love with Nigeria and wanted to visit the country.”
In Lagos, Mr. Ibu was buried not long ago.
Nkanu West Local Government, Enugu State, is the place of his birth on October 17, 1961.
Among his many credits are the “Mr. Ibu” films (2004), “Mr. Ibu 2” (2005), “Mr. Ibu and His Son,” “Coffin Producers,” “Husband Suppliers,” “International Players,” and “Mr. Ibu in London” (2005).