Veteran Nigerian actor John Okafor aka Mr Ibu has come out to address social media reports that he has lost his second leg after it was amputated.
The ailing actor through her family issued a statement to categorically deny the social media reports about him losing a second leg.
The family explained that Mr Ibu is battling with blood clotting in his legs.
They also denied claims that the ailing actor had been flown abroad for specialized treatment.
‘’We wish to Express our sincere gratitude to well meaning Nigerians and the general public for your immense contributions, physically, spiritually and most above all financially on getting our daddy Mr John Okafor (Mr Ibu) back on his feet again.
“We wish to correct some misconceptions making rounds on social media concerning the current state of our father’s health.
“First we will like to state that our daddy wasn’t amputated on both legs but only one. The first amputation didn’t completely correct his health predicament so the doctors had to go ahead to amputate same leg further to ensure we didn’t loose him.
“Daddy’s cause of sickness is also not diabetes but he’s had constant clotting of the blood in his leg ( diseased blood vessels) and other health challenges posing risk to his life , therefore the need for the amputation.
“Lastly, the only reason why the family has not flown him out of the country till date is cause the doctors have tagged him “Not Fit to Fly”.. This tag has made it extremely impossible to get him out of the country for advanced treatment as no airline will fly him.. Daddy is currently admitted at one of the biggest and best hospital we’ve got in Nigeria as of today and the hospital has availed him a pool of very astute professionals.
“As Daddy is recuperating we urge his friends, colleagues, fans and Nigerians at large to keep him in their prayers and peddle down on unconfirmed reports concerning our dad’s health..
“Thank you Nigerians you all have been very supportive this period. God bless you all
Valatine Okafor
On behalf of the Family….”
Mr Ibu’s family on November 6, 2023, announced that the actor had undergone surgery to remove one of his legs.
“As of 1 pm, noon today, Daddy has gone through 7 successful surgeries but to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery one of his legs had to be amputated.,” the statement read in parts
“This development has been hard on us all but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive.”
The family has also appealed to Nigerians to support the actor.
“Please we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians at this stage Daddy is still one very delicate one and he needs all the help he can get.
“Thank you, everyone, the Okafor family is grateful and we don’t take you for granted. In due time, Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported him during this period as soon as he’s stable!”
