“She Sold My Father’s Properties Worth N88 Million, Cut Us Off” – Mr Ibu’s Son Accuses Stepmother

“She Sold My Father’s Properties Worth N88 Million, Cut Us Off” – Mr Ibu’s Son Accuses Stepmother

• Somtochukwu Okafor alleges widow sold Lagos, Enugu, and Asaba properties, kept N66 million public donations, and neglected late actor’s other children

Fresh drama has erupted in the family of late Nollywood icon John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, after one of his sons publicly accused his stepmother, Stella Maris Okafor, of taking over the actor’s assets and excluding his other children. The accusations came shortly after Stella Maris made a public appeal for financial assistance, claiming she was struggling to care for her children. In a viral video that has since generated widespread attention, Stella Maris appeared with content creator Mukoro “King Mitchy” Michelle, revealing that her household had been without electricity for about two months, relied on a well for water, and her children could no longer attend school due to unpaid fees. The emotional plea was intended to solicit help from the public, but it has instead opened a new chapter in the long-running family feud surrounding the late comedian’s estate. Reacting to the video, Okafor Somtochukwu, who identified himself as Mr Ibu’s third son and fourth child, countered her claims with serious allegations. He challenged the narrative that Stella’s children were the only ones the late comedian left behind, insisting that Mr Ibu had many children, both older and younger than hers. He described Stella’s public appeal as a “slap in the face” to the rest of his father’s children and family, stating that her children are not the only ones Mr Ibu has and that the late actor left behind a lot of children, both the ones that are older and younger than her children. He alleged that his father died and left a lot of properties and things for all his children, but Stella chose to take everything for herself and her children.

Somtochukwu levelled several specific allegations against his stepmother, claiming she sold off multiple properties belonging to the late actor without involving other family members. He provided a detailed breakdown of the alleged sales, claiming that a property in Lagos was sold for ₦60 million, while properties in Enugu and Asaba were also allegedly sold for ₦17 million and ₦11 million respectively, totaling approximately N88 million. According to Somtochukwu, despite the sales, he received only ₦40,000 from Stella, which he said was presented as a gift rather than a share of the proceeds. He alleged that the properties were sold after his father’s death, and the money was kept exclusively for Stella and her children, with no accountability to other family members.

READ ALSO:

• Two sentenced to death by hanging for kidnapping NYSC staff in Ekiti
• UN Halts Strait of Hormuz Evacuation After Iran-Linked Attack on Cargo Ship
• Venezuela earthquakes: Death toll hits 235 as rescuers race to save survivors from rubble

Somtochukwu further alleged that Stella failed to honour Mr Ibu’s dying wishes. He claimed his father called him from Delta State to Lagos before his death and instructed Stella to take care of him, including paying for his WAEC examinations. However, even when he called her asking for money for his WAEC, she told him she didn’t have any money to give. She didn’t reply to his messages and didn’t pick his calls. He also alleged that the money Nigerians contributed when his dad was sick was all spent by Stella alone. He stated that he was unable to access his WAEC results because he remained in school fees arrears, and Stella allegedly blocked him and other children from accessing their father’s properties and assets. Somtochukwu also claimed that over N66 million raised through public donations during Mr Ibu’s prolonged illness was solely controlled and spent by Stella without any accountability to other family members.

The allegations have sparked heated reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for both sides to clarify the claims and demanding transparency in the management of the late actor’s estate. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments, with some users expressing sympathy for Somtochukwu while others have urged the family to resolve the matter privately to respect Mr Ibu’s memory. Some have called for accountability regarding the funds contributed by well-wishers during his medical treatment, while others have questioned why family matters are being played out in the public eye. The video featuring Stella Maris and King Mitchy has also come under scrutiny, with many wondering about the motives behind the public appeal. As of the time of this report, Stella Maris Okafor has not publicly responded to the allegations levelled against her by Somtochukwu.

Mr Ibu died on 2 March 2024 at Evercare Hospital in Lekki, Lagos State, aged 62, following cardiac arrest. The beloved comedian, known for his hilarious roles in Nollywood movies, was laid to rest on 28 June 2024 in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, with many dignitaries and fans in attendance. The late actor was married five times; four of his marriages ended in separation and divorce. His fifth wife, Stella Maris Okafor, was his final and most well-known wife before his demise. The couple had children together, and Stella was widely recognized as his primary caregiver during his prolonged illness. The dispute is the latest chapter in the long-running family controversies that surrounded Mr Ibu’s health, finances, and estate both before and after his death. Several family members had previously exchanged accusations over the handling of donations and medical funds, with the late actor himself publicly calling out some of his children for allegedly stealing from him while he was ill. It is important to note that the allegations made by Somtochukwu have not been independently verified, and no court ruling or official investigation has publicly confirmed the claims. Both parties have the right to present their side of the story, and the public is urged to await further clarification before drawing conclusions.

The unfolding family drama has left many Nigerians wondering about the fate of Mr Ibu’s estate and the welfare of his children. Calls have been made for a proper legal framework to manage the late actor’s assets, with some suggesting that the government or relevant agencies should intervene to ensure fairness. As the situation continues to develop, all eyes remain on Stella Maris Okafor, who has yet to address the allegations publicly. Whether the family will resolve the matter privately or through legal channels remains to be seen.

“She Sold My Father’s Properties Worth N88 Million, Cut Us Off” – Mr Ibu’s Son Accuses Stepmother