The Labour Party also expressed its condolence with Mr Ibu’s family.
The candidates of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential elections have mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly called Mr Ibu.
The Labour Party also expressed its condolence with Mr Ibu’s family.
In their separate condolence messages posted on their X, formerly Twitter, handle on Sunday, they described Mr Ibu’s death as a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation.
"Just as I tweeted my condolence on the death of Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri, a lot of people, through my comments section, called my attention to the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu," Obi said.
According to him, "His death is very saddening".
He described Mr Ibu as a legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness.
Obi said, "When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.
"His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.
"On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days and the entire Nollywood family. We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind.
"May God who called him home grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace Mr Ibu!"
On his part, former Vice President Atiku said that the demise of Mr. Ibu and ex-goalkeeper of the Super Falcons, Bidemi Aluko Olaseni, is a big loss to our creative and sports industries.
He said, "The reported deaths of actor and comedian John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu and ex-goalkeeper of the Super Falcons, Bidemi Aluko Olaseni, is a big loss to our creative and sports industries. These two great Nigerians have lived to give us happy moments in entertainment and the beautiful game.
"They will be sorely missed. I pray that the Almighty shall grant their souls a peaceful repose and comfort to the grieving families and the country. Rest in peace, Mr. Ibu. Rest in peace, Bidemi Olaseni."
The chief spokesman for Obi-Datti and Director of Media of the Labour Party, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said Nigerians would miss Mr Ibu’s hilarious comedy. He prayed to God to console his family at this trying time.
"May the soul of Mr John Okafor AKA (Mr Ibu) rest in peace. Nigerians will miss him and his hilarious comedy. May God Almighty Allah give the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss."