All preparations are now complete for the events organized as part of the burial activities for the late Nollywood icon John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
It has been announced that Mr. Ibu will be laid to rest on June 28, 2024, in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Central Planning Committee, along with notable friends and family members of the late actor, has distanced itself from claims that the family was soliciting funds for his burial.
In a statement released to journalists in Enugu on Monday, the Committee asserted that these claims were made to portray Okafor’s family as beggars. The statement, signed by the Committee Chairman, Monday Diamond Ani, described these allegations as “manipulating, malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu even while on sick bed and after his death.”
Ani noted that despite the millions of Naira spent on John Okafor’s medical treatments in various hospitals across Nigeria, the Central Planning Committee has made extensive plans for Mr. Ibu’s burial. These activities include a star-studded tribute performance at the Base Event Center in Enugu, a novelty match in his honor, and other events.
“Among the artist expected are: Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje, Akpororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, Kola boy, just to mention few.
“Star appearances include: Chief Pete Edochie, MON, Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo (NKOLI), Destiny Etiko, Chinwe Owo, Victor Osuagu, Charles Anwurum, Ngozi Ezeonu, Amb Emeka Rollas, the AGN President, and many other star actors.
“A documentary of the life and time of John Okafor will be showcased.
“The night of tribute which is coming up on the 26th of June will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on the 25th of June between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu,” he disclosed.
He warned the ‘evil-doers, image destroyers of celebrities on social media’ to desist from tarnishing Mr. Ibu’s personality to avoid the wrath of God.
“I want to make it categorically clear that there was never a time when such publication emanated from us.
“It’s the handwork of some miscreants, enemies of progress who must have wished for Mr. Ibu’s death and are perhaps happy that Mr. Ibu is no more and wanted to use this medium or avenue to tarnish the name of Mr. Ibu and the Okafor family in general.
“It is a fact that a fund is being raised to support the burial of Mr ibu which is customary in Igbo land where well wishers will be contributing funds to support the burial.
“Some will even bring live cows, provide financial support, provide help in logistics and that’s what is happening in the case of Mr Ibu, so it is not a taboo,” he stated.
Ani thanked the Enugu State Government and some individuals for the support given so far, especially in the provision of accommodations, security personnel in different categories, mobility, and some funds.
