“Mr Ibu’s Family Dispute Deepens as Widow, Children Exchange Fresh Allegations Over Financial Support”

“Mr Ibu’s Family Dispute Deepens as Widow, Children Exchange Fresh Allegations Over Financial Support”

A fresh controversy has emerged within the family of late Nollywood comic icon John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, as his widow, Stella Maris Okafor, and some of the actor’s children have publicly traded accusations over financial assistance, inheritance, and the handling of the late actor’s assets.

The renewed family dispute has played out on social media, where both sides have made conflicting claims regarding the management of donations, financial support received after the actor’s prolonged illness, and the sale of some of his properties.

Stella Maris has alleged that she has been left without adequate financial support while raising her children following the actor’s death. She also questioned how funds and assistance reportedly generated during Mr Ibu’s medical treatment were managed.

In response, some of Mr Ibu’s children rejected the allegations, insisting that financial assistance was provided to their stepmother and accusing her of making misleading claims. They also disputed assertions surrounding the sale of the late actor’s properties, maintaining that the family’s decisions were made within the appropriate legal and family framework.

The latest exchange has reignited public attention on the internal disagreements that surfaced during Mr Ibu’s illness in 2023 and continued after his passing in March 2024. At the time, disputes involving family members over access to donations and decision making prompted interventions by security agencies and the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

Despite the ongoing accusations, neither side has publicly presented conclusive evidence to substantiate all of the claims circulating online. As a result, many of the allegations remain unverified.

Mr Ibu was celebrated as one of Nollywood’s most influential comedians, earning widespread acclaim for his distinctive comic style and memorable performances in numerous films. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The renewed family disagreement has sparked widespread reactions among fans and industry stakeholders, many of whom have called for reconciliation and a peaceful resolution to preserve the late actor’s legacy.