Fresh controversy has erupted in the family of late Nollywood legend Mr Ibu after one of his sons publicly fired back at the actor’s widow, Stella Marris Okafor, following her emotional appeal for financial assistance.
The family drama comes just days after Stella revealed in an emotional interview that she and her children are living in difficult conditions. She claimed they now fetch water from a well because they are unable to pay their rent, while their electricity has reportedly been disconnected for two months.
However, Mr Ibu’s son has now challenged that narrative with explosive allegations of his own. In a video circulating online, he claimed his late father left behind several properties for all of his children, but alleged that Stella took control of the assets for herself and her children alone. These are allegations made by him and have not been independently verified.
According to him, Stella allegedly sold one of Mr Ibu’s Lagos properties for ₦60 million, another Lagos property for more than ₦17 million, and another house in Asaba for ₦11 million. He also alleged that over ₦66 million donated by well-wishers during Mr Ibu’s prolonged illness was mismanaged. Stella has not publicly responded to these latest claims.
The accusations have sparked heated reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for transparency over the late actor’s estate while others urged the family to resolve their differences privately.
Mr Ibu, whose real name was John Okafor, passed away in March 2024 after battling health complications. Following his death, he was honoured at a tribute event before being laid to rest in his hometown in Enugu State.
Before these fresh allegations surfaced, Stella had spoken emotionally about missing her husband and thanked members of the Nollywood industry for supporting her and her children after his passing. She has also continued to honour his memory on his posthumous birthday and anniversary.
With both sides now presenting conflicting accounts, many fans are hoping the family can resolve the dispute while preserving the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most beloved comic actors.
