By Seyi Babalola
All is all ready for the celebrations planned for the burial of late Nollywood legend John Okafor, often known as Mr. Ibu.
According to report, he will be buried on June 28, 2024, at his birthplace of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
This comes as the Central Planning Committee, as well as other prominent friends and family members of the late actor, have distanced themselves from allegations that the family was seeking donations to bury the late comic actor.
In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Monday, the Committee said the claims were made with intentions to ridicule Okafor’s family as beggars.
The statement was signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Monday Diamond Ani.
He described it as “manipulating, malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu even while on sick bed and after his death.”
He noted that the Central Planning Committee not minding the several millions of Naira consumed by the late John Okafor’s sickness in several hospitals in Nigeria had made several plans towards Mr Ibu’s burial.
According to him, the activities include a star-studded tribute performance which will be held at the Base Event Center Enugu, novelty match to honour Mr Ibu, among others.
“Among the artist expected are: Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje, Akpororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, Kola boy, just to mention few.
“Star appearance include: Chief Pete Edochie, MON, Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo (NKOLI), Destiny Etiko, Chinwe Owo, Victor Osuagu, Charles Anwurum, Ngozi Ezeonu, Amb Emeka Rollas, the AGN President, and many other star actors.
“A documentary of the life and time of John Okafor will be showcased.
“The night of tribute which is coming up on the 26th of June will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on the 25th of June between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu,” he disclosed.
He warned the ‘evil-doers, image destroyers of celebrities on social media’ to desist from tarnishing Mr. Ibu’s personality to avoid the wrath of God.
“I want to make it categorically clear that there was never a time when such publication emanated from us.
“It’s the handwork of some miscreants, enemies of progress who must have wished for Mr. Ibu’s death and are perhaps happy that Mr. Ibu is no more and wanted to use this medium or avenue to tarnish the name of Mr. Ibu and the Okafor family in general.
“It is a fact that a fund is being raised to support the burial of Mr ibu which is customary in Igbo land where well wishers will be contributing funds to support the burial.
“Some will even bring live cows, provide financial support, provide help in logistics and that’s what is happening in the case of Mr Ibu, so it is not a taboo,” he stated.
Ani thanked the Enugu State Government and some individuals for the support given so far, especially in the provision of accommodations, security personnel in different categories, mobility, and some funds.
