Nigerian comic actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has openly criticised Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of late Nollywood icon John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu, over her recent appeal for financial assistance.
Reports had earlier reported that Stella, in a video shared by influencer King Mitchy on Wednesday, appealed to Nigerians for support, saying she was struggling to pay her house rent and her children’s school fees.
Reacting to the video, Tenkobo, who described himself as a close colleague and longtime family friend of the late actor, accused Stella of repeatedly using Mr Ibu’s name to seek financial help from the public.
He further alleged that some members of the late actor’s family disposed of several of his investments, including landed properties and houses, insisting that those involved should explain what happened to the proceeds.
The actor questioned why Stella had not found a means of earning a living since the death of her husband, stressing that being married to a respected entertainer should not stop anyone from working.
According to him, “Does it mean that because you are the wife of a legend, you should not work, learn a skill or have something doing? What if Ibu was not an actor?”
Speaking about a phone conversation he had with Mr Ibu’s first son, Valentine Okafor, Tenkobo said he contacted him immediately after seeing Stella’s video because he was disturbed by what was presented to the public.
He explained that Valentine became emotional during the conversation and acknowledged that Tenkobo understood the late actor better than many people because of the close relationship they shared over the years.
Tenkobo said his bond with Mr Ibu went beyond friendship, describing how they started as colleagues before becoming close friends and eventually developing a relationship he compared to that of a father and son.
He also claimed that Stella had made similar public appeals even while Mr Ibu was still alive, adding that he once discussed the matter directly with the late actor and the issue was resolved at the time.
He dismissed Stella’s claim that Chelsea was Mr Ibu’s only daughter, insisting the late actor had several children. According to him, his first daughter is already in her late twenties and was the one who carried his portrait during his burial.
While making it clear that he had nothing against people asking for help when necessary, Tenkobo said he was uncomfortable with the impression that Mr Ibu left nothing behind or failed to prepare for his family’s future.
He maintained that the late actor earned good money from Nollywood and invested heavily in properties and other assets during his lifetime.
According to Tenkobo, one of Mr Ibu’s greatest challenges came from issues within his family, but despite that, he remained committed to investing both in property and in the welfare of his relatives and associates.
He questioned who authorised the sale of the actor’s landed properties and houses after his death, insisting that the family should account for the money realised from those transactions.
Tenkobo urged anyone willing to assist Stella to do so with the understanding that Mr Ibu was not financially irresponsible. He maintained that the late actor planned his life carefully, made meaningful investments and supported many people around him.
He concluded by questioning what became of the money realised from the last property allegedly sold by Stella, insisting that the recent appeal for financial assistance was unfair to the late actor’s legacy.
