June 25 will mark the beginning of an elaborate five-day celebration, which will be followed by a burial on June 28 and a wrap-up two days later.
The lavish five-day funeral ritual for renowned Nigerian actor John Okafor, often known as Mr. Ibu, has been revealed by his family.
More than three months after passing away in a Lagos hospital, the renowned actor will be laid to rest on June 28.
The world will bid farewell to the legendary actor in a five-day celebration that will intertwine the culture and religion of his community, following over 50 years in the film industry during which he worked his way to the top before passing away.
The actor will have a heroic sendoff worthy of his stature, which is why the burial has been delayed, according to Mr. Ibu’s elder brother Sunday Okafor.
According to the announcement, Mr. Ibu would be laid to rest at his residence in Amuri, his birthplace in the Enugu State local government area of Nkanu West.
“We would like to honor the beloved memories of our hero and legend, John Ikechukwu Okafor, who even in death left a legacy of love, laughter, and liveliness,” says the Okafor family of Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State.
On June 28, 2024, we would be grateful for your distinguished attendance as we put to rest our son, husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and in-law. Please come along as we share the best and last moments with our icon,” read the statement by the actor’s family.
The five-day itinerary for the elaborate burial
The schedule states that a high-profile match will open the event on June 25 and that a session entitled “Mr. Ibu’s Night” would take place the next day.
In remembrance of the late actor, “Mr. Ibu’s Night” will feature a candlelight parade and live entertainment.
The famous actor’s compound will host a Christian wake-keep on June 27 to prepare for the burial on June 28.
The five-day event will conclude on June 30 with a church thanksgiving service.
An amazing career for Mr. Ibu
Throughout the course of his multi-decade acting career, Mr. Ibu brought joy to countless households and attained celebrity status.
He has been in over 200 Nollywood films, including Mr. Ibu (2004), Mr. Ibu 2 (2005), Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London (2005), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006), and Keziah. He is one of the people credited with the fast growth of the Nigerian film industry (2007).
(Pulse)
