John Okafor's biography: career, family, net worth and best movies

John Okafor's biography: career, family, net worth and best movies

John Okafor, famous as Mr. Ibu, is popular in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He is a veteran Nollywood movie star and comedian. His notable film appearances include Mr. Ibu, A Fool at 40, London Fever, and Mental Case.

John Okafor
Actor John Okafor. Photo: @realmribu (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Previously, John Okafor had no intentions of being a movie star. He was a film producer, but after fellow producers noticed his comedic nature, he was persuaded to start acting. He is an entertainment icon in Nigeria. Here is a look at his personal and professional life over the years.

Profile summary

Full nameJohn Ikechukwu Okafor
NicknameMr. Ibu
GenderMale
Date of birth17 October 1961
Age61 years old (as of September 2023)
Zodiac signLibra
Place of birthNkanu West, Enugu State, Nigeria
Current residenceLagos, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
EthnicityAfrican
ReligionChristianity
SexualityStraight
Height5’5” (121 cm)
Weight159 lbs (72 kg)
Hair colourBlack
Eye colourDark brown
Relationship statusMarried
PartnerStella Maris Okafor
Children3
CollegeInstitute of Management and Technology
ProfessionActor, comedian, entrepreneur
Net worth$3.5 million
Instagram@realmribu
TikTok@realmribu

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Who is John Okafor?

He is a Nollywood actor and comedian who was born John Ikechukwu Okafor in Nkanu West village, Enugu State, Nigeria. He has siblings, but the only known one is her sister, Queen Chioma Egboh.

After his father’s demise, he resided with his brother in Sapele, where he did menial jobs to pay for his education. Currently, he lives in Lagos, Nigeria, where he pursues multiple careers in the entertainment industry.

He attended the College of Education, Yola, but dropped out due to a lack of school fees. Later, he studied at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu.

How old is John Okafor?

He is 61 years old as of August 2023. He was born on 17 October 1961. His zodiac sign is Libra.

John Okafor’s profession

Before venturing into the Nigerian entertainment industry, John Okafor was a martial artist specialising in Shotokan Karate. He earned a black belt when he was 16 and trained in multiple tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

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He was a film producer before switching to acting in 1997. He has been featured in numerous Nollywood films, including:

YearFilm
2020The Album
2018The Eve
2017Mr Ibu in Liberia
2017Price of Deceit
2017London Fever
2015Honeymoon Guy
2013Oga Abuja
2011Open & Close
2011Secret Past
2008Mental Case
2007Desperate Search
2006Recharge Card
2006A Fool at 40
2005Circle of Lives
2004The Tusk of Life
2004Mr Ibu
2004Unbreakable
2004Mr Ibu in London
2003Victim of Love
2003Civil War
2003Police Recruit
2003Nicodemus

What is John Okafor’s net worth?

His net worth is alleged to be approximately $3.5 million, according to The City Celeb. He is one of Nigeria's best actors and comedians, and his net worth is attributed to earnings from his thriving entertainment career.

John Okafor’s house is a magnificent residence in Lagos, Nigeria. It is an indication of his wealth.

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What happened to John Okafor?

Mr. Ibu hit the headlines in March 2022 due to his deteriorating health. The Nollywood actor-comedian alleged that his staff, who his relatives paid, poisoned him at an event.

His stomach was swollen, and he got well after being treated at a private hospital. After surviving the near-death experience, he attributed his being alive to God’s immense love for him.

Who is John Okafor’s wife?

The Nollywood actor’s spouse is Stella Maris Okafor. The couple has been married for 13 years. His marriage to Stella is his second. Stella Maris is reportedly a Nigerian actress and model.

Who are John Okafor's children?

He has three children with his wife, Stella. He has two sons, Emmanuel and Jay Jay, and a daughter, Chelsea. Besides his children with Stella, he has other kids, including Jasmine Okafor, from a previous relationship.

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Who is John Okafor's daughter?

John Okafor’s daughter is Chelsea Okafor. She was born on 30 September 2011. Chelsea is 11 years old as of 2023. She is pursuing her education and does not have an established career.

Fast facts

Here are interesting facts about John Okafor.

  • He is popularly known as Mr. Ibu.
  • He has worked as a hairstylist.
  • He has done photography and also worked in a company that produces crates.
  • He has a verified TikTok account.
  • He enjoys dancing on TikTok alongside his daughter.

John Okafor has thrived in the Nigerian entertainment industry for over two decades. He has starred in numerous films, and his comedic acting style has won the hearts of many. The actor is married to Stella Maris, and they are parents to three children.

Legit.ng recently published Vera Dijkmans’ biography. She is an Instagram model and digital content creator from the Netherlands. She rose to fame on social media by posting photos of herself modeling, lip-syncing, and making funny videos.

The online content creator was born on 19 January 1997 in Hague, Netherlands. She has a large following on Instagram, where she posts several modeling photos and endorses businesses. Discover more details about the social media entertainer in her bio.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Lucy Zawadi avatar

Lucy Zawadi Lucy Zawadi is a charismatic reporter with two years experience in creating content. She enjoys keeping up with pop culture, singing, cooking, baking, and jewellery making. Just like Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, Lucy believes that ‘No human is limited’. Email: lucyluciana832@gmail.com

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Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.

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