During a recent visit by content creator King Mitchy, the family shared emotional accounts of their current living conditions, describing a decline in basic welfare, including unpaid rent, lack of electricity, and no access to running water.
According to the family, Mr Ibu’s only daughter and two sons are no longer in school as the household is unable to meet their educational expenses.
‘We have been like this every night’ — family describes hardship
The children’s mother said the situation has become increasingly difficult, noting that even basic utilities have become unaffordable.
“We fetched water from the well because I have not paid the house rent, they even cut my light since two months now, no light since we have been like that every night we go to look for where to charge our phones and it’s not easy,” she said.
Her account reflects the broader struggles the family says they have endured in the months following the actor’s death.
She also disclosed that the children’s school had recently contacted her over unpaid fees, adding further pressure to their financial situation.
Daughter appeals for help
Mr Ibu’s daughter also appealed publicly for assistance, while expressing gratitude for her mother’s efforts in holding the family together during a difficult period.
“I want to thank God for my mom,, and she tried everything she can to feed us, pay our school, fees make us happy,” she said.
She then made a direct appeal to Nigerians, especially those who had worked with her father in the entertainment industry.
“So Nigerians if you were in the industry with my dad, you’re seeing us now come and meet us,” she pleaded.
From illness to loss
John Okafor underwent a leg amputation in November 2023 after battling a prolonged illness that required multiple surgeries.
Despite medical efforts, the veteran comic actor passed away in Lagos on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 following a cardiac arrest.
His death marked the end of a celebrated career in Nollywood, where he was widely known for his comedic roles and distinctive screen presence.
A family in transition
Since his passing, the family says it has struggled to adjust financially, with the absence of stable income leaving them unable to sustain basic living costs such as rent, utilities, and education.
Their situation has sparked renewed public attention on the welfare of families left behind by deceased entertainers, particularly in an industry where long-term financial security is often uncertain.
For now, the family says their immediate focus is survival and finding support to restore stability to the children’s education and daily life.