The family of the late Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has firmly denied reports claiming that the burial planning committee is seeking financial support from the public.
Mr Ibu, aged 62, passed away from cardiac arrest on March 2 at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, following a prolonged battle with a life-threatening illness. In April, his family announced that his burial would take place on June 28, with a series of events planned to honor his memory.
The ceremony is set to commence with a novelty match on June 25, followed by a candlelight procession the next day. A wake-keep ceremony will be held at the actor’s compound, and a thanksgiving service is scheduled for June 30.
However, a recent blog post claimed that the family and friends of Mr Ibu had set up a GoFundMe page to finance the burial. Reacting to this, the burial committee released a statement categorically denying these claims, calling them an attempt to “ridicule and malign the Okafor family.”
“Contrary to speculation and misinformation from a group of people who have been sponsoring fake news about the burial arrangement for late John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu,” the statement reads. “The Central Planning Committee (CPC), some notable friends and family members of the late actor have distanced themselves from such publications on social media sponsored by some evil minds and published by one Mazitundeednut concerning late Mr Ibu’s burial with the caption: ‘Family, friends beg for funds to bury Mr. Ibu’.”
Monday Diamond Ani, the chairman of the committee, described the report as “manipulative, malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu.” He warned rumor mongers to desist from “tarnishing Mr. Ibu’s personality to avoid the wrath of God.”
Ani further clarified the planned events, stating, “It is important to note that the night of tribute which is coming up on the 26th of June will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on the 25th of June between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.”
He emphasized that the allegations of soliciting funds were unfounded, adding, “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 contribute 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.”
The committee also revealed a list of notable personalities expected to attend the burial ceremony, including Rudeboy, Flavour, Apkororo, and Chukwuemeka Odumeje Ohanaemere. Other prominent figures expected are Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo, Ngozi Ezeonu, and Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).
