Nigerians are mourning popular Nollywood actor John Okafor, better known as Mr Ibu, who has died at the age of 62.
"I announce with [a] deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn't make it," said Actors Guild of Nigeria President Emeka Rollas on Saturday.
He said the actor had a cardiac arrest.
Okafor rose to fame two decades ago in the film Mr Ibu - which became his career-long nickname.
It is still regarded as one of the best Nigerian performances in a comic role.
He went on to star in more than 200 Nollywood films - including Keziah, 9 Wives and several Mr Ibu sequels.
"Rest well, sir," said actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie in her tribute. Law professor and former UN rapporteur Joy Ezeilo said the actor was a "beloved" figure who "brought laughter to many".
Nigeria's Culture Minister Hannatu Musawa described him as a household name who had made families smile throughout his career.
According to local reports, Okafor died at an undisclosed hospital in Lagos state.
The actor's health issues first came to public attention last year. One of his legs was amputated in November after fans donated to a crowd-funding scheme for his medical bills.
Since then, his son Daniel Okafor and adopted daughter Jasmine Chioma have been arrested on suspicion of hacking into his phone and taking $60,700 (£47,800) for themselves.
The pair have not commented since their arrest in January and are expected to appear in court on 11 March for the next hearing.
Okafor's last years were "tumultuous", Nigeria's Punch newspaper said, with the actor claiming to have survived several attempts to poison him.
Local media say he is survived by his 13 children.
Latest Stories
-
NPP’s Mpohor treasurer arrested for allegedly aiding the registration of a minor
21 mins -
Davido hints at retirement after next album
25 mins -
Dr Baah-Nuakoh chairs Ghana’s organisation of Athletics Championships next month
31 mins -
Speaker of Parliament has not breached Standing Orders – Dafeamekpor
33 mins -
Ghana Cocoa Board refunds $250m loan procured from ADB for irrigation in cocoa farms
52 mins -
6 out of 10 registered deaths in 2022 were males – Births and Deaths Registry
1 hour -
Prof. Kofi Abotsi to deliver keynote at ECOWAS Court of Justice Conference
1 hour -
MTN Ghana Foundation inaugurates new Accident and Emergency Centre for Bawjiase Polyclinic
2 hours -
Government has paid all individuals who opted out of DDEP -1st Dep. Governor of BoG
2 hours -
We are confident about our board meeting in June on Ghana’s second review – IMF
2 hours -
MEST Africa announces 12 companies selected for first cohort of the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship
3 hours -
Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo in contention for Bournemouth Supporters’ Player of the Season
3 hours -
I try to set good example for kids who look up to me in Ghana – Mohammed Kudus
3 hours -
Dr. Lawrence Tetteh to march on Jubilee House over Akufo-Addo’s refusal to assent to anti-LGBTQ+ bill
3 hours -
Ghanaian midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp extends Crystal Palace stay until 2025
3 hours