Mr. Ibu's burial date set for June 28

The late Mr.Ibu. (Courtesy)

Nollywood actor John Okafor, famously known as Mr. Ibu, is set to be laid to rest on June 28, 2024, according to his elder brother Sunday Okafor.

The burial date was announced on Saturday, with plans for a grand sendoff in honor of the late actor.

In a statement jointly signed by the family and the burial committee members, the Okafor family extended an invitation to the public to join them in honoring Mr. Ibu's memory in his hometown of Amuri, located in the Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

"The Okafor family wishes to honor the loving memory of our hero and 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 June 28, 2024. Kindly join us as we share the best and last moments with our icon," the statement read.

The burial arrangements include several events leading up to the funeral.

The ceremony will commence on Tuesday, June 25, with a high-profiled novelty match, followed by "Mr Ibu's Night" on Wednesday, June 26, featuring a candlelight procession and live entertainment.

A Christian Wake-Keep will take place on June 27 at Mr. Ibu's compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West, with the funeral service scheduled for June 28.

The five-day burial ceremony will conclude on Sunday, June 30, with a Church Thanksgiving service to celebrate Mr. Ibu's life.

Mr. Ibu passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by Emeka Rollas, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.

"I announce with deep sense of grief that Ibu didn't make it. Mr Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years," Rollas shared.

In December 2023, Mr. Ibu's health struggles were made public when his family announced he had undergone an amputation to address blood clotting and other health issues.