- By Mansur Abubakar
- BBC News, Kano
Such was the comic genius of Nigerian actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, that he often did not even need to open his mouth to make people laugh.
“I was cast to play a doctor in a movie once, and when I came on set dressed up, even without saying anything, the whole crew burst out laughing,” he recalls.
His death at the age of 62 has left family, friends and fans of the Nigerian Nollywood film industry across Africa in mourning.
He burst onto the scene in 2004 with the film Mr Ibu, which tells the story of the eponymous single father and his son as they journey through life, getting into a series of difficult and hilarious predicaments.” His facial expressions and his body were his biggest selling points,β director Babangida Bangis told the BBC, contrasting him with most comedians who use words to make people laugh.
βMr Ibu was different as he doesn’t even need to speak to get a laugh as his face was just like Mr Bean [Rowan Atkinson] will do the trick,β he said.
Indeed, one of Mr. Ibu’s most iconic scenes, and the one that introduced him to African audiences, was one in which he barely said a word.
In the movie Mr Ibu, he and his son were returning home from a farm where they worked and had only one bicycle.
At first, the father let his son ride the bike while he walked.
But passers-by stopped them to ask why the son had disrespected his elderly father by letting him ride.
Then another bystander said the father was mean for allowing his young son to walk while he rested it.
So they both decided to walk.
Back then people called them idiots for walking while they had a bike.
The movie was so successful that there were four sequels and Okafor was simply known as Mr Ibu ever since.
Bridging the divides of Nigeria
He will also be fondly remembered in northern Nigeria as he was one of the few Nollywood actors to cross over into the movie industry based in the northern city of Kano, known as Kannywood, which is generally looked down upon by southerners.
Kannywood’s best-known film was the Hausa language comedy Hajiya Babba about two lost sons from southern Nigeria who track down their father in the north and start a new life with him.
βHe was one of those who helped bridge the gap and bring unity between Kaneywood and Nollywood by going north to act,β Bangis noted.
Born on October 17, 1961, the actor hailed from the southeastern state of Enugu, which has produced a long list of Nollywood stars.
Okafor did not have an easy childhood, moving to another city early in life to live with his brother and working menial jobs to survive and support his family.
After trying his hands at professions from hairstyling to photography, he went to a movie audition where he was spotted by legendary actor Pete Edochie who saw his talent and opened the doors of Nollywood to him.
“This is my worst marriage”
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in.
Popular Nigerian comedian Bovi described Mr. Ibu as one of the greats.
“The death of John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu is a sad chapter in the history of Nigerian entertainment. Let us take solace in the fact that his works will live on and inspire generations unborn. RIP to one of the greats” he posted Bovi in ββX.
Nigeria’s Minister of Culture Hannatu Musawa described him as a household name that made families smile throughout his career.
The actor’s ill health first came to light last year. One of his legs was amputated in November after fans donated to a crowdfunding scheme to pay his medical bills.
The actor is believed to have been suffering from diabetes, but the cause of death has not been released by his family.
Despite bringing such joy to so many people, he never found happiness on the inner front.
He was married five times, most of which ended in bitter divorce.
He recently described his fifth marriage as even less happy than his previous ones.
Local media reports that he was left with 13 children, but some of them also caused concern.
After fans offered money for his surgery, his son Daniel Okafor and adopted daughter Jasmine Chioma were arrested on suspicion of hacking his phone and taking $60,700 (Β£47,800) for themselves. They have denied the charges.
Although he hasn’t starred in a new film for some time, he remained active until ill health stopped him.
In October 2020, he released two singles, titled This Girl and Do You Know, which are believed to be his final projects.
However, his venture into music was not a success and he will always be remembered as the man who brought laughter to homes across Africa.
Fan Aminu Hamisu says he will pay tribute to the actor by re-watching some of his old movies on YouTube.
He is unlikely to be the only one.