‘We drink well water’ – Mr Ibu’s widow seeks help over hardship

John Okafor, the family of late Nollywood comic actor popularly known as Mr Ibu, has appealed to Nigerians for financial assistance, citing growing difficulties in meeting basic needs, including rent, school fees and electricity bills.

The appeal was made by the actor’s widow and children during an interview with content creator King Mitchy, where they spoke about the challenges they have faced since the actor’s death in March 2024.

Speaking emotionally, Mr Ibu’s widow revealed that the family had been living without electricity for about two months after their power supply was disconnected over unpaid bills. She added that they now depend on water fetched from a well because of their financial situation.

“We fetch water from the well. Because I have not paid the house rent. And they have even cut my lights for two months now. No lights since. We have been like that. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. And… it’s not easy,” she said.

One of the actor’s daughters commended her mother for keeping the family together despite the difficult circumstances.

“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, to pay our school fees, to make us happy,” she said.

The widow also disclosed that her children’s education had been disrupted due to unpaid school fees, raising concerns about their ability to continue attending classes.

“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she said.

According to the content creator who conducted the interview, support is being sought to help the family settle outstanding rent, pay school fees and reconnect electricity supply to their residence.

Mr Ibu, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comic actors, died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after a prolonged illness. His death drew widespread tributes from fans, colleagues and public figures across the country.