Preparations are in full swing for the burial events of the late Nollywood legend, John Okafor, widely known as Mr. Ibu, scheduled for June 28, 2024, in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area, Enugu State.
The Central Planning Committee, along with some of Mr. Ibu’s notable friends and family members, have refuted claims that the family is seeking financial assistance for his burial.
In a statement released in Enugu on Monday, the Committee declared that these assertions were made to tarnish the reputation of the Okafor family.
Chairman of the Committee, Monday Diamond Ani, labeled these claims as “manipulative, malicious, fabricated, and engineered by an evil gang against Mr. Ibu even while on his sick bed and after his death.”
Despite the substantial financial burden from Mr. Ibu’s medical expenses across various Nigerian hospitals, Ani confirmed that extensive plans have been made for his burial.
The events include a star-studded tribute performance at the Base Event Center in Enugu and a novelty match in his honour.
The tribute performance will feature artists such as Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje, Akpororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie Okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, and Kola Boy. Notable stars expected to attend include Chief Pete Edochie, Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Osita Iheme (Paw Paw), Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo (Nkoli), Destiny Etiko, Chinwe Owo, Victor Osuagu, Charles Anwurum, Ngozi Ezeonu, and the AGN President Amb Emeka Rollas, among many others.
A documentary chronicling the life and times of John Okafor will also be showcased.
The tribute night on June 26 will be preceded by a novelty match on June 25, featuring celebrities and personalities against Rangers International Football Club of Enugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Ani also issued a stern warning to those spreading falsehoods and defaming Mr. Ibu on social media, urging them to desist to avoid divine retribution.
He clarified, “There was never a time when such publication emanated from us. It’s the handiwork 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.”
He explained that fundraising for burials is customary in Igbo land, where well-wishers contribute funds and resources.
“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,” Ani stated.
Ani expressed gratitude to the Enugu State Government and various individuals for their support, including accommodations, security personnel, transportation, and financial contributions.
