The leg of well-known Nigerian comedy actor John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu, has been amputated for medical reasons, according to his family.
In a message posted on his Instagram page, his relatives claim that doctors were forced to amputate the arm “to keep him alive”.
“This development has been hard on us all but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality,” it states.
The 62-year-old Okafor has acted in numerous Nollywood productions, such as Mr. Ibu in London, Keziah, and 9 Wives.
His family has not revealed what ailment required the amputation of his limb.
The actor has had seven rounds of surgery, and the statement says he still needs one.
Nigerian media outlets are reporting that former Senate President Bukola Saraki has covered a portion of Okafor’s medical costs.
Without mentioning the precise sum, his family is pleading with supporters and well-wishers to cover the remaining costs.
Actors from Nollywood frequently make these kinds of requests, according to Nigerian BBC reporter Annette Arotiba.
Many people have expressed concern about this, wondering why seemingly wealthy celebrities can’t afford to cover their own medical expenses.
The majority of Nigerians rely on expensive private medical treatment.
According to industry sources, top performers in Nollywood can make up to 3 million naira ($3,700; £3,000), while the lowest paid actors receive nothing at all.
