Charles Inojie, a prominent figure in the Nollywood industry, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his colleague, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, emphasizing that his death is an immense loss to Nigerian cinema.
He highlighted that the comedic genius of Mr Ibu cannot be replaced in Nollywood, noting that simply having him in a film was enough to guarantee its success.
In a recent interview with Channels TV, Inojie shared, “Losing a talent in the industry sometimes leads to thoughts of finding a replacement. However, Mr Ibu is a unique talent that cannot be substituted. He had the ability to convey a myriad of emotions and messages without speaking, utilizing his facial expressions, gestures, and body language which was truly remarkable.
“His absence will be deeply felt as he was a rare gem in African cinema, capable of captivating audiences without uttering a single word. Such talent is priceless and irreplaceable. We will miss that greatly.”
Reflecting on Mr Ibu’s impact, Inojie concluded, “With John [Okafor], you had a guaranteed hit on your hands.”
It was reported that Mr Ibu passed away from cardiac arrest at the age of 62 this past Saturday.