‘Mr Ibu’s family not begging for funds,’ Committee reveals burial plans for late actor
The Central Planning Committee for the funeral of the Late Nollywood Actor, John Okafor, well known as Mr Ibu, has denied allegations that the family was collecting donations for the funeral.
On June 28, 2024, Mr. Ibu is scheduled to be buried in his hometown of Amuri, in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Monday, the Chairman of the burial Committee, Monday Diamond Ani, described the claim of Mr Ibu’s family begging online as “manipulating, malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu even while on the sick bed and after his death.”
He mentioned that the Central Planning Committee had prepared many arrangements for Mr. Ibu’s funeral, disregarding the several million Naira that the late John Okafor’s illness had devoured in multiple Nigerian hospitals.
According to Ani, a few well-known friends and relatives of the deceased actor have refrained from commenting on the allegations and have issued a warning to the “evil-doers, image destroyers of celebrities on social media” to stop destroying Mr. Ibu’s reputation in order to spare God’s vengeance.
Speaking about the planned activities for the late actor’s funeral, Ani announced that among other things, a novelty match honouring Mr. Ibu and a star-studded memorial show would take place at the Base Event Centre in Enugu.
Ani also thanked the Enugu State Government and some individuals for their support so far, especially in providing accommodations, security personnel in different categories, mobility, and some funds.
He added,
“Among the artistes expected are: Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje, Akpororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, Kola boy, just to mention few.
“Star appearance 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 June 26 will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on June 25 between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
“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.”
