Nigerian comic actor Fred Ebere, professionally known as Tenkobo, has strongly criticized Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of the late Nollywood legend John Okafor (Mr Ibu), for soliciting financial assistance on social media.
The backlash follows a viral video shared by social media influencer King Mitchy, in which Stella Maris pleaded for public donations, citing her inability to pay her house rent and her children’s school fees.
Tenkobo, who described himself as a close colleague and family friend of the late veteran, fiercely rejected the appeal. He accused Stella Maris of weaponizing her late husband’s name to extort the public, arguing that her actions give the false impression that the iconic actor died broke and unplanned.
“Does it mean that because you are the wife of a legend, you should not work, get handwork, or have something doing? What if Ibu is not an actor? Anyone that wants to help Stella should not help her with the mindset that Ibu did not invest or leave anything behind. Ibu did well. He planned his life well… This video by Stella is not necessary. It’s just to bring the man’s name into the mud.” Fred Ebere.
Actor demands accountability over sold properties and family investments
Following the viral broadcast, Tenkobo revealed that he contacted Mr Ibu’s eldest son, Valentine Okafor, who allegedly broke down in tears over the public embarrassment. The actor firmly countered Stella Maris’ narrative, asserting that Mr Ibu made substantial money throughout his Nollywood career and successfully secured numerous landed properties and houses for his family’s future.
Directly challenging the widow and immediate family members, Tenkobo alleged that they had systematically sold off Mr Ibu’s real estate investments both during his illness and after his passing. He demanded a public accounting of those transactions, questioning what happened to the proceeds from the most recent house sale.
Furthermore, Tenkobo debunked claims regarding the family structure, clarifying that contrary to the impression given online, Mr Ibu left behind multiple children, including an eldest daughter in her late 20s. He urged the public to hold the family accountable, questioning why the widow has refused to acquire a trade or secure gainful employment instead of repeatedly turning to the internet to beg.
