Nollywood comic actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has criticized Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of late actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, over her recent public appeal for financial assistance.
Stella had earlier appealed for help in a video shared by influencer King Mitchy, stating that she was struggling to pay her house rent and her children’s school fees. Her plea followed reports that Mr Ibu’s children had dropped out of school due to financial hardship.
Reacting to the viral video, Ebere, who described himself as a close friend and longtime colleague of the late actor, accused Stella of repeatedly using Mr Ibu’s name to solicit financial support from the public.
According to him, the late actor made significant investments during his lifetime and did not leave his family without assets. He alleged that some members of Mr Ibu’s family sold several of the actor’s properties, including houses and landed assets, and challenged them to explain how the proceeds were used.
Ebere also questioned why Stella had not taken up a job or acquired a skill since her husband’s death.
“Does it mean that because you are the wife of a legend, you should not work, learn a trade, or have something doing? What if Ibu was not an actor?” he asked.
The actor revealed that after watching Stella’s video, he contacted Mr Ibu’s first son, Valentine Okafor, to discuss the situation.
Ebere said his relationship with the late actor extended beyond being colleagues, describing Mr Ibu as a close friend, father figure, and trusted associate.
He further claimed that Stella had previously made similar public appeals while Mr Ibu was still alive, noting that he had questioned the late actor about the issue at the time.
Addressing claims made in Stella’s appeal, Ebere disputed suggestions that Chelsea was Mr Ibu’s only daughter, insisting the late actor had several children, including an older daughter who participated prominently during his burial.
He maintained that while he had no objection to anyone seeking public support, he disagreed with what he described as an impression that Mr Ibu failed to provide for his family before his death.
Ebere insisted the veteran actor earned substantial income from Nollywood and invested wisely in real estate and other ventures. He alleged that the family’s internal disputes were among the biggest challenges Mr Ibu faced during his lifetime.
He questioned who authorized the sale of the actor’s landed properties and houses after his death and called on those involved to account for the funds realized from those transactions.
Concluding his remarks, Ebere urged members of the public who wish to support Stella to do so with a full understanding of the circumstances, insisting that Mr Ibu had planned his finances, invested in his family, and should not be portrayed as someone who left nothing behind.
The allegations made by Fred Ebere have not been independently verified, and Stella Maris Okafor has yet to publicly respond to his claims.
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