According to a report by The Cable on Friday, June 26, 2026, Nollywood comic actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has criticised Stella Okafor, the widow of late veteran actor John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, over her recent appeal for financial assistance.
Stella had recently shared an emotional video in which she disclosed that she was facing financial hardship, revealing that she was struggling to pay her rent and meet her children’s school expenses. Her appeal attracted widespread sympathy from members of the public.
Reacting to the development, Tenkobo released a video on his Instagram page, accusing the late actor’s widow of repeatedly using Mr Ibu’s name to attract public pity and financial donations.
The actor disclosed that after watching Stella’s video, he immediately contacted Valentine Okafor, Mr Ibu’s eldest son, to discuss the situation.
According to Tenkobo, Valentine became emotional during their conversation, insisting that many people were unaware of the true circumstances surrounding the late actor’s estate.
The comedian explained that he shared a close relationship with Mr Ibu that extended beyond their professional careers.
He said their bond evolved from being colleagues in the entertainment industry to becoming close friends and eventually developing into a father-and-son relationship, making him familiar with many aspects of the late actor’s personal life.
Tenkobo further claimed that Stella had made similar public appeals even while Mr Ibu was still alive, adding that the latest video followed the same pattern.
He also disputed Stella’s statement suggesting that Chelsea was Mr Ibu’s only daughter. According to him, the late Nollywood icon had several children, including an adult daughter who participated prominently during his funeral rites.
The actor questioned why Stella could not explore legitimate means of earning a living instead of depending on public donations.
While stressing that there was nothing wrong with asking for assistance during difficult times, Tenkobo argued that he disagreed with any narrative suggesting that Mr Ibu died without making adequate financial preparations for his family.
He maintained that the late comic legend earned substantial income during his successful acting career and invested in landed properties and other assets.
According to him, Mr Ibu made deliberate efforts to secure his family’s future and also supported many relatives and associates throughout his lifetime.
Tenkobo alleged that several of those properties were disposed of after the actor’s death and questioned what became of the proceeds from the sales.
He urged members of the public to avoid concluding that the late actor left his family without resources, insisting that Mr Ibu had built a solid financial foundation before his passing.
Earlier, Somtochukwu Okafor, identified as Mr Ibu’s third son, also challenged Stella’s public appeal for assistance, alleging that she had sold a number of properties belonging to the late actor after his death.
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