In the latest twist in the ongoing family drama surrounding the late Nollywood icon John “Mr Ibu” Okafor, his widow Stellamaris Okafor has hit back at accusations from one of his children, Somtochukwu, who claimed she sold off prime properties and squandered the proceeds.
The veteran comedian passed away on March 2, 2024, at age 62 following a cardiac arrest in a Lagos hospital, leaving behind a complex family situation that has played out publicly in the months since his death.
Fresh Allegations Spark New Interview
Somtochukwu, identified as the fourth child of the deceased actor, went viral with a video accusing Stellamaris of selling properties located in Enugu, Asaba, and Lagos. He alleged that the proceeds were kept for herself and her biological children, leaving other family members out in the cold.
His claims surfaced shortly after Stellamaris had granted an emotional interview with content creator Mukoro “King Mitchy” Michelle, where she opened up about the financial hardships she and her three children have faced. She described struggling to pay rent and school fees, appealing for support from fans and well-wishers.
Widow’s Strong Denial and Revelations
In a follow-up interview with King Mitchy, Stellamaris firmly denied the allegations. She explained that the only property she sold was one in the village, and this was done only after consulting with the late actor’s other children. According to her, the N17 million realized from the sale was fully utilized to cover the expenses of Mr Ibu’s funeral.
A particularly striking revelation from the widow was that throughout her marriage to the beloved comic actor, he never disclosed any previous marriages or children from other relationships. This disclosure has added another layer of complexity to the public family feud.
Public Support and Ongoing Struggles
Despite the tensions, King Mitchy revealed that compassionate Nigerians have rallied around the widow and her children, contributing a total of N7.5 million to support their upkeep so far.
The saga highlights the often-hidden challenges many Nollywood families face after the death of a star — from property disputes and inheritance battles to the emotional toll on surviving spouses and children. Mr Ibu was known for his larger-than-life roles and infectious humor on screen, but his personal life now appears marked by unresolved complexities.
As the story continues to unfold, fans of the late actor are divided, with some calling for unity in the family while others demand full transparency on how the estate is being managed.
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What’s Next? The public nature of these family revelations may prompt further conversations around estate planning for entertainers in Nigeria. Stellamaris and her children continue to appeal for understanding and support as they navigate life without the man who brought joy to millions.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on this developing story and other Nollywood news. Have you followed the Mr Ibu family drama? Share your thoughts in the comments below.