Nigerian comic actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has criticised Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of late Nollywood legend John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, over her recent public appeal for financial assistance.
His reaction comes after Stella, in a video shared by influencer King Mitchy, disclosed that she was struggling to pay her house rent and her children’s school fees, prompting her to seek help from Nigerians.
Reacting to the development, Tenkobo, who described himself as a close colleague, longtime friend and family associate of the late actor, accused Stella of using Mr Ibu’s name to attract public sympathy.
He insisted that the late comic actor was financially responsible and invested heavily during his lifetime, alleging that some members of the family later disposed of his landed properties and other investments.
Demand For Accountability
According to Tenkobo, those who managed Mr Ibu’s estate should explain what happened to the proceeds from the assets allegedly sold after the actor’s death.
He questioned why Stella had not established a means of livelihood despite the passing of her husband.
“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 also disclosed that he contacted Mr Ibu’s first son, Valentine Okafor, after seeing the viral video, saying the conversation left him emotional.
Tenkobo said his relationship with the late actor extended beyond being colleagues in Nollywood.
“My relationship with Okafor started from colleagues to friends, from friends to father and son, and from father and son to partners in crime. That’s how much my relationship with him grew,” he said.
When It Becomes A Pattern
He further alleged that Stella had made similar public appeals while Mr Ibu was still alive, noting that he had previously discussed the matter with the late actor.
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The comedian also disputed claims suggesting that Chelsea is Mr Ibu’s only daughter, insisting that the late actor had several children.
According to him, portraying the late Nollywood star as someone who left nothing behind does not reflect reality.
Tenkobo maintained that Mr Ibu made substantial earnings from Nollywood and invested in landed properties and houses, while also supporting members of his family and close associates.
He, however, alleged that some of those properties were sold after the actor’s death and called on those involved to account for the proceeds.
He urged Nigerians who wish to support Stella to do so out of goodwill rather than on the belief that Mr Ibu failed to provide for his family.
“So, anybody 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 and invested in his family and associates,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Stella Maris Okafor has not publicly responded to the allegations made by Tenkobo.