Mr Ibu loses leg to illness, appeals for more support

Prominent Nollywood figure, Mr John Okafor, better known as “Mr Ibu’ has appealed for more support from Nigerians as he continues his struggles with diabetes and kidney failure related illness at a Lagos hospital.

This is also as the veteran actor disclosed the amputation of his leg during a surgery, one of seven, he has undergone in the course of his battles with ill-health.

The actor, who disclosed this much via his personal Instagram handle (@realmribu), Monday, also solicited for more prayers and donations from good-spirited Nigerians to enable overcome his health challenges.

Mr Okafor had first opened up on his struggles with failing health, late last month, when he disclosed via his social media account of his failing health as he confirmed undergoing five successful surgeries, while also appealing for financial assistance and prayers.

The actor, Tuesday, October 31, 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 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.

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.

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.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the actor further disclosed via his Instagram account that he has so far undergone seven surgeries, and had a leg amputated by the doctors, in a bid to save his life.

A statement via the actor’s verified Instagram page on Monday said this was done due to his medical conditions and to save his life.

“Good afternoon, Nigerians.. We want to appreciate everyone that 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 pm , noon today , Daddy has gone through 7 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 for support from well meaning Nigerians as this stage Daddy his is still one very delicate one 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 during this period as soon as he’s stable,“ Mr Ibu wrote.

According to the actor, his doctor had said if the prescribed medications fails, his leg will be amputated.

The health condition of Mr Ibu follows in the wake of the disclosure by another veteran actor and comedian, Amaechi Muonagor, who last week, opened up to the public on his struggles with stroke, as he begged Nigerians to come to his aid as he now risks total paralyses.

Mr. Muonagor, famous actor and comedian, in a no-holds barred interview, opened up to the public on his battled with stroke.

In the now-viral video, Muonagor stated that he has been battling stroke for some time and has been moving from one hospital to another.

According to him, he could no longer move or walk on his own due to his current state of health, as he also apologised for not coming out earlier to clarify his condition, saying that he thought the case would not reach such a critical state.

However, he appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians to come to his aid during this difficult phase of his life.

“By the grace of God, a Nollywood actor. You are correct; I am sick.

“This thing that is called a stroke. I was working, I wasn’t driving. From there, they rushed to the hospital.

“I was first taken to a hospital in Nnewi, where I spent some two months before I was referred to a teaching hospital, and here I am now.

“I was on set with Patience Ozokwor, Rita Edochie, and Emeka Ani for seven months. It was when I was about to leave and enter my car that I was struck with this problem, and since then, it’s been getting worse.

“Right now, I cannot move or walk on my own. Half of my left hand is paralyzed. It is a problem for me. I’m so sorry I didn’t make it known to the public early. I didn’t know it would last this long. I’m calling on well spirited individuals to come to my assistance,” Muonagor said.