Actor John Okafor 'Mr Ibu' in a hospital bed
Mr Ibu: Actor undergoes 5 successful surgeries, appreciates donors
Nollywood icon, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has dispelled claims from some quarters of mismanagement of donations made by well-meaning Nigerians towards his failing, as he confirmed undergoing five successful surgeries.
The actor, Tuesday, took to his personal Instagram handle (@realmribu) to reveal that he has now undergone five surgeries successfully, while also disclosing that he is awaiting tests so as to embark on further medical treatment abroad.
Reports of Mr Ibu’s failing health went viral, penultimate week, when the actor took to his social media account to appeal to Nigerians for prayers and financial aid to enable him address his condition from his bed at a Lagos hospital.
Mr. Okafor who raised the call for support for his health as he battles suspected kidney failure and diabetes, has been hospitalised for several weeks at an undisclosed Lagos medical facility, as he appealed for financial support over his deteriorating health condition.
In a now viral video posted on his Instagram page (@realmribu), the ailing actor lay on the hospital bed explaining that he has been ill for weeks and not responding to treatment.
Weakly, he noted that he is at risk of having his leg amputated if he is unable to receive the proper treatments.
“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,” he said.
Okafor’s wife and daughter were also in the video, beckoning on Nigerians to keep them in their prayers and lend financial assistance where necessary.
His daughter noted that she has been shouldering the bills for as long as the actor has been ill. She also stressed that the family would prefer to fly him out of the country for more treatment.
“I’ve been the one handling the bills and I am financially drained, we can’t do it alone. He’s not getting better, some days it looks like he is and other days it looks like he is getting worse.
“We are still at the hospital and they want to transfer him to another hospital because he is not getting better. We want to appeal to Nigerian individuals or organisations to please fly daddy abroad for better treatment. This is not the first time daddy is down like this.”
Okafor who celebrated his 62nd birthday in his hospital room surrounded by family on October 17, I in the video posted to his page, was evidently in pain while sitting up in front of his cake, and the affected leg was swollen.
Meanwhile, providing an update on his health, Tuesday, the actor said he had undergone five surgeries which were all successful.
He, however, stated that he is still recovering in the ICU, and is waiting to get stabilized so he can fly abroad for further advanced treatment.
Mr Ibu appreciated the general public for their donations as he added that he is counting on them for their prayers and unwavering support.
“So far, Daddy has gone through 5 successful surgeries, and he is still recovering in the ICU. Daddy is immensely grateful and we are thankful to the general public during this phase of our lives. We appreciate all the donations made to this account, and as soon as Daddy is better he will personally acknowledge all donations respectively!
“We are still counting on all your prayers and unwavering support as we pray he gets stabilized quickly to enable us to fly him abroad for further advanced treatment… The John Okafor family is grateful to all Nigerians,” Mr Ibu said.
