The family of late Nollywood comic icon John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, has made an emotional appeal for assistance as they continue to battle severe financial challenges.
In a conversation with social media influencer King Mitchy, the actor’s widow, Stella Marris, opened up about the difficult circumstances facing the family, revealing that their children are no longer attending school due to a lack of financial resources.
According to her, the situation has become so dire that she has been unable to meet basic obligations, including paying the family’s rent. As a result, they now rely on a well as their primary source of water.
Stella further disclosed that the family’s electricity was disconnected two months ago over unpaid bills, forcing them to depend on neighbours whenever they need to charge their mobile phones.
“We fetch water from the well, because I haven’t been able to pay the house rent. They’ve even cut off my light for two months now. We have been like that since. Every night we go to look for where to charge our phones. It’s not easy.”
She also revealed that their three children, a 14-year-old daughter and two sons aged 12 and 10, have had to stop schooling because there is no money to keep them enrolled.
Speaking during the appeal, the late actor’s daughter expressed gratitude to her mother for doing everything within her power to care for the family despite their current hardships.
She also made a heartfelt plea to individuals who worked alongside her father in the entertainment industry, asking them to lend support to the family in their time of need.
“I want to thank God for my mum, she tries everything she can to feed us, pay our school fees. If you’re in the industry with my dad, you see us now, please come and help us.”
The family has also appealed to Nigerians and admirers of Mr Ibu across the country to come to their aid as they navigate this challenging period.
Watch the video below
King Mitchy visited legendary Nollywood actor Mr Ibu’s family and discovered his 14yr daughter, 12 & 10yr old sons dropped out of school.
The family also revealed they have been without electricity and potable water for 2 weeks cause of insufficient funds🤦💔 pic.twitter.com/uYkpGFtVjW
— Beri🌚 (@beri_grizou) June 24, 2026
How netizens reacted to this latest development;
@1realbliss commented: “This is sad! With the work their father has done for the movie industry, one would’ve thought his family would never see a day of suffering in their lives.”
@MisterNMC said: “I understand funds need to be raised and Mr Ibu deserves every help but saying they dropped out of school due to funds is somehow funny when government schools are free.”
@iamrock80 reacted: “I’m not trying to be insensitive ooo, but is their mom not working? As a wife and mom you should have something doing just in case of this kind of situation.”
@momyuwa wrote: “As young as the wife , so she can’t hustle for her three children? Like Nigeria Nigeria should help her pay her children school fees when she is still strong, young and healthy? God! So I am the only one who have shame in this Nigeria”
