By Christian Agadibe
The family of late Nollywood star, John Ikechukwu Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu has announced June 28 as the burial date for the late movie star at his hometown Amuri, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.
In a conversation with the press, the burial Planning Committee Chairman, Hon Monday Diamond Ani said,Mr. Ibu is going to be buried as a hero because he was a hero.
In a statement from the late actor’s family jointly signed by Elder Sunday Okafor(Mr Ibu’s elder brother) and Mr Ibu’s immediate family, Mr Ibu made his home community, Enugu state, Nigeria and Africa as a whole proud while alive.
“The Okafor family in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State wishes to honour the loving memory of our hero and a legend John Ikechukwu Okafor who even in death has left a legacy of love, laughter and liveliness.
We would appreciate your esteemed presence as we lay to rest our son, husband, father, grandfather,brother, uncle and in-law on the 28th of June 2024.
Kindly join us as we share the best and last moments with our icon,” the statement stated
According to the statement, the burial ceremony would begin on Tuesday, June 25th with a high profiled novelty match , while on Wednesday, June 26, there would be session called Mr Ibu’s Night,which involves candlelight procession and live entertainment.
On June 27, a Christian Wake-Keep would be held at his compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West while the funeral service takes place on June 28.
The 5-day burial ceremony will be wrapped up on Sunday, 30th June with a Church Thanksgiving for family members, friends and well wishers
Members of the Burial Committee include; Hon Monday Diamond Ani, Chairman Burial Committee, Dame Ugochi Madueke Hon Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Enugu State (Member), Mr Emeka Rollas National President Actors Guild of Nigeria (Member), Nkem Owo(Member), Patience Ozokwor (Member), Steve Ebo “Ajibo” (Member), Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa (Member),Brown Eneh Enugu State Chairman AGN(Member),AB Cowboy, Christiana Ozioma Ejioofor(Secretary),Chief Frank Obasi “Toscana Hotel” (Member),Chief Alexander Nwokeabia “Ejiamatu”(Member),Chief John Onwubuya(Member) Fred Bright(Member),St Mathew Aniemeka(Member) and host of others .