Mr Ibu suffers amputation, family says it is to keep him alive

Popular Nigerian actor John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, has suffered an amputation in one leg in his battle with an undisclosed ailment.

His family says the amputation is a measure to keep him alive.

A statement issued by Mr. Ibu’s family posted on his Instagram page on Monday, November 6, 2023, indicated the family was still praying for the best for the famed actor and still needed financial support to help with his upkeep.

“Good afternoon, Nigerians. We want to appreciate everyone who has come through for our dad.

“Saying we are grateful is an understatement, and only the good Lord can thank you all enough for every help you’ve rendered.

“As of 1 p.m. today, Daddy has gone through seven successful surgeries. But to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery, one of his legs had to be amputated.

“This development has been hard on us all, but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive.

“Please, we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians as, at this stage, Daddy is still very delicate, and he needs all the help he can get.

“Thank you, everyone. The Okafor family is grateful and we don’t take you for granted. In due time, Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported him during this period as soon as he’s stable.”

Last October, Mr. Ibu personally appealed to the public for financial support to cater for the undisclosed condition, which had kept him bedridden for weeks.

Even at that stage, he indicated that his doctors had prescribed amputation should all else fail to correct his condition.

“While I am hoping for prayers and assistance, as I speak to you, I am still lying down in the hospital. The medical director of this hospital said that in case his new idea does not work, the next idea is to cut off my leg. Just see me. If they cut off my leg, where would I go? Pray for me; I don’t want my leg to be cut off. Thank you so much, God. Bless you,” Mr. Ibu said in a video that soon went viral.

He added, “Dear Good People of Nigeria, we are counting on your support at this point; we need it the most.”