Why Mr Ibu’s Properties Were Sold – Widow Defends Family Decision

Stella Maris Okafor, widow of late Nollywood comic actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has broken her silence over the controversy surrounding the sale of her late husband’s properties. She insists the decision was not hers alone but a collective family choice backed by a court order, as she faces public scrutiny and allegations of financial mismanagement from the actor’s children and extended family.

The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, Stella Maris Okafor, has addressed the controversies surrounding the sale of her husband’s properties after facing public scrutiny and allegations of financial mismanagement. The controversy erupted following her recent public appeal for financial assistance, where she revealed the family had been without electricity for two months and her children had been sent home from school over unpaid fees.

Speaking in an interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella explained that the sale of the properties was carried out in accordance with a court order and with the full involvement of Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor. She stated that she possesses documents to support her claims and is prepared to present them to the public if necessary. “I have to show you this document. This is a court order. We—I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order. Every evidence is here. We sold the house. I am not the one that sold the house,” she stated.

According to Stella, the land in Enugu was sold for N17 million, and the proceeds were used to fund Mr Ibu’s burial expenses. “That land that was sold in Enugu, three of us sold that land because of the burial. It was N17 million. Go and ask the children,” she shared. She further clarified that the sale was not a unilateral decision: “We sold his house. I am not the one who sold the house. We sold the house.” Stella also explained that the proceeds from the sale of other properties, including a house in Lagos reportedly sold for N60 million, were used to settle outstanding medical bills incurred during Mr Ibu’s prolonged illness and other family obligations.

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Stella also revealed that disagreements began shortly after Mr Ibu’s burial when some family members demanded that she share money given to her during the funeral. The money, which amounted to N500,000, was given for the upkeep of her children, but family members insisted she must share it with them. “Before they sold the land, we were still in the village, and they were arguing with me over the money they gave me during the burial. They insisted that I must share the money with them. I told them the money was for my children. The money was N500,000,” she explained. She further disclosed that the family disagreements extended to other financial matters, including donations received during the actor’s illness and funeral. According to Stella, some family members demanded a share of all funds that came into the family, creating tension and mistrust.

Mr Ibu’s son, Somtochukwu Okafor, had earlier accused Stella of secretly selling off his late father’s properties and keeping the proceeds for herself and her biological children. He alleged that a house in Lagos was sold for N60 million, while properties in Enugu and Asaba were also allegedly sold after the actor’s death. He claimed that despite the sales, he received little or no support from Stella and struggled to pay for his education. “Even when I called her asking for money for my WAEC, she told me she doesn’t have. She didn’t reply to my messages and didn’t pick my calls. The money Nigerians contributed when my dad was sick, she ate everything alone,” he alleged. Somtochukwu also expressed frustration that he was not adequately informed about the sale of the properties and that he and his siblings were left in the dark about the family’s financial decisions. He called for transparency and accountability from Stella regarding the management of his late father’s assets.

Stella dismissed these claims, stating that her husband never told her he had children from a previous relationship before they married. “My husband never told me that he was married before. Even the first son, I keep seeing him in the house. My husband never for one day told me that he was his son. Even in marriage with him, he impregnated a lady who gave birth to twins,” she added. She also questioned why Somtochukwu and other family members did not step forward to contribute to the burial expenses or medical bills if they were genuinely concerned about the family’s welfare. Stella maintained that she had always acted in the best interest of the family and had nothing to hide.

The controversy deepened when a woman identifying herself as Mr Ibu’s first wife accused Stella of financial mismanagement and facilitating the arrest of two relatives during the actor’s illness. She further alleged that Stella sold some of the late actor’s assets, including an Enugu property reportedly worth N18 million and a house in Lagos, without consulting other members of the family. She also claimed that Stella had her son and adopted daughter arrested during Mr Ibu’s illness over disagreements about donations. According to her, Stella is the fifth wife of the late actor and should not present her children as the only heirs. She called on the public to verify facts before taking sides in the family dispute.

Following Stella’s plea for financial assistance, well-meaning Nigerians contributed a total of N7.5 million to support the family. Content creator King Mitchy revealed that the donations would help pay the children’s school fees, including the eldest daughter’s WAEC fees, and assist with rent. However, some Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the controversy, with some sympathizing with Stella while others have criticized her for allegedly mismanaging the late actor’s assets. Actor Tenkobo also faulted Stella, accusing her of using the late actor’s name to seek public donations despite allegedly selling off valuable properties.

Stella also disclosed that she currently runs an online jewellery business, explaining that her late husband had initially discouraged her from venturing into it while she was still acting. She further revealed plans to leave her current residence, describing it as too expensive to maintain, and said she only moved there because of security concerns and public pressure following her husband’s death. “I did not intend to come to this place. It’s because of pressure and security, but I am packing out,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have supported her and her children during this difficult period, while urging the public not to judge her based on unverified allegations.

Why Mr Ibu’s Properties Were Sold – Widow Defends Family Decision