We Sold It Together for the Burial” — Mr Ibu’s Widow Clears Air on Property Sale Allegations
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Stella Okafor, the widow of the iconic late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has broken her silence regarding the intense public scrutiny over the sale of her late husband’s properties.
Stella recently sparked widespread debate after launching an emotional online appeal for financial assistance. The plea led to allegations from critics who accused her of secretly liquidating her late husband’s assets for personal gain.
However, in a recent interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella fiercely defended herself, revealing that the decision to sell the properties was a collective family effort born out of absolute necessity.
A Joint Family Decision
Setting the record straight, Stella disclosed that she did not act alone or in secret. Instead, she explained that the properties were sold collaboratively with Mr Ibu’s sons, Valentine and Daniel Okafor, specifically to raise funds for the actor’s funeral expenses.
“That land that was sold in Enugu, three of us sold that land because of the burial. It was ₦17 million. Go and ask the children,” Stella shared. “We sold the house. I am not the one who sold the house. We sold the house.”
Facing Financial Hardship
The controversy intensified following a viral video where Stella publicly solicited financial aid, painting a grim picture of her current living conditions. In the video, she revealed that she and her children had been living without electricity for two months and that the children were repeatedly sent home from school due to unpaid tuition fees.
The public outcry surrounding her plight has yielded significant support, with well-wishers reportedly donating over ₦7 million to assist the family.
Ongoing Struggles for the Family
The recent backlash highlights the ongoing financial and emotional struggles plaguing the Okafor family since the actor’s passing. Despite previous appeals during Mr Ibu’s prolonged illness, the family continues to battle pressing financial obligations, including rent and basic welfare.
By clearing the air, Stella hopes to shift the focus from allegations of greed to the stark reality of the family’s financial hardships post-burial.
