In a recent statement released on Monday the family of the renowned comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, clarified misconceptions surrounding his health. Contrary to circulating reports on social media, the family affirmed that Mr. Ibu has undergone amputation on only one leg, not both.
The initial amputation, according to the family, proved insufficient to resolve his health challenges, prompting a subsequent amputation on the same leg. Dismissing claims linking Mr. Ibu’s illness to diabetes, the family revealed that the actor has been dealing with clotting of the blood in his leg, attributed to diseased blood vessels.
The family expressed gratitude for the support received from well-meaning Nigerians, acknowledging contributions physically, spiritually, and financially towards Mr. Ibu’s recovery. They emphasized the need to correct some misconceptions circulating on social media.
The statement read, “First, we would like to state that our daddy wasn’t amputated on both legs but only one. The first amputation didn’t completely correct his health predicament, so the doctors had to go ahead to amputate the same leg further to ensure we didn’t lose him.”
Additionally, they clarified that the cause of Mr. Ibu’s sickness is not diabetes but constant clotting of the blood in his leg due to diseased blood vessels and other health challenges posing a risk to his life.
Addressing the issue of seeking treatment abroad, the family explained that the doctors have deemed him ‘Not Fit to Fly,’ making it extremely challenging to arrange international travel for advanced treatment.
As Mr. Ibu recuperates in one of Nigeria’s prominent hospitals, the family requested prayers and urged friends, colleagues, fans, and Nigerians to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports about his health.
The statement concluded with gratitude towards the supportive Nigerian community and a plea to refrain from sharing unverified information.