Unique reason why Mr. Ibu, prayed to God for his kids not to look like him revealed

ELIZABETH NGIGI Lifestyle, Entertainment Journalist

23 September 2021

• He said he was happy and grateful to God for the birth of his child but wanted him to look like his mother instead.

Veteran Nigerian comic actor, John Okafor alias Mr. Ibu didn’t want his kids to take after him.

Speaking in a recent interview in a video posted by 'Goldmyne' TV on Instagram, the movie star revealed he prayed to God.

He admitted that when he had his first child in 1991, he prayed to God for his baby not to look like him.

He said he was happy and grateful to God for the birth of his child but wanted him to look like his mother instead.

He explained that the reason behind his strange prayer was that he knew he wasn’t good-looking.

"They asked why I was saying that and I said I know I am not good-looking. I am very truthful to myself, I know that I’m not good-looking, so I do not want any of my children to take after me in that aspect."

The iconic comedian breathed his last at Evercare Hospital in Nigeria on Saturday, reportedly succumbing while in a coma.

Mr Ibu's health struggles became public knowledge last October when his family shared a video on social media featuring the Nollywood star celebrating from his hospital bed.

In the video, he appealed to his fans for assistance with medical bills, resulting in a significant outpouring of support.

In his plea, he said, "Dear good people of Nigeria, we are counting on your support at this point when we need it the most.

As I speak to you, I am still lying down in the hospital; the medical director of this hospital said that the best solution is, in case his new idea didn’t work, the best idea is to cut off my leg."

Mr Ibu rose to fame two decades ago with the Nigerian comedy "Mr Ibu," which subsequently became his moniker. This film is still considered one of the finest comedic performances in the Nigerian film industry.