Mr Ibu’s widow pleads for financial assistance
Stellamaris Okafor, the widow of the late Nollywood comic legend John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has shared the harrowing financial realities facing her family. Speaking in a emotional online interview, she revealed that she and her three young children now fetch water from a well.
Furthermore, she stated that utility companies have disconnected their electricity for two months, forcing them to hunt for phone-charging spots nightly. Her young daughter also appealed to the public, asking her late father’s Nollywood colleagues to intervene and assist with their school fees and feeding.
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Stepson accuses widow of greed and asset stripping
However, the narrative quickly shifted when Mr Ibu’s son, Somtochukwu Okafor, released a viral video fiercely challenging his stepmother‘s claims. He openly accused Stellamaris of greed, alleging that she deliberately sidelined the late actor’s other children while hoarding his substantial estate.
“My late father left a lot of properties for all his children, but his wife chose to take everything for herself,” Somtochukwu claimed.
Specifically, the stepson alleged that Stellamaris sold a Lagos house for ₦60 million, an Enugu property for ₦17 million, and an Asaba land for ₦11 million. He further claimed she gained sole access to ₦66 million in medical donations, yet refused to fund his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees.
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Stellamaris strongly denies mismanagement allegations
In a swift response, Stellamaris completely denied squandering her late husband’s wealth. She clarified that she consulted the family before selling the ₦17 million village property, insisting the proceeds directly funded Mr Ibu’s funeral expenses.
Additionally, the widow made a startling revelation regarding her marriage. She claimed that during their time together, the late actor never disclosed his previous marriages or his other children.
Mr Ibu’s fans, well-wishers step in
Following the tragic passing of the 62-year-old actor on 2 March 2024, the family dynamics have clearly fractured. Despite the ongoing, bitter internal dispute, some relief has come to the grieving widow.
Content creator King Mitchy recently revealed that well-meaning Nigerians have already contributed ₦7.5 million to assist Stellamaris and her children during this turbulent period.
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