The Central Planning Committee for the burial of John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has unveiled burial plans for the late comic actor.
Also, the committee debunked claims that Ibu’s family was begging for funds to bury the iconic actor.
A statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Diamond Ani and made available to journalists in Enugu on Monday, said the claims were made to ridicule Okafor’s family.
Ani described the claims as “manipulating, malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu even while on sick bed and after his death,” adding that regardless of the several millions of naira expended on the treatment of Mr. Ibu, several plans towards his burial.
The chairman disclosed that the activities include a star-studded tribute performance to be held at the Base Event Center Enugu, novelty match to honour Mr Ibu, among others.
“Among the artists expected are: Rudeboy, Flavour, Odumeje, Akpororo, Chinyere Udoma, Gozie okeke, Felix Ndukwe, Paul Nwokocha, Able Cee, Anyidons, Kola boy, just to mention few.
“Star appearance include: Chief Pete Edochie, MON, Osuofia, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Osita Iheme (Paw Paw) and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo (NKOLI), Destiny Etiko, Chinwe Owo, Victor Osuagu, Charles Anwurum, Ngozi Ezeonu, Amb Emeka Rollas, the AGN President, and many other star actors.
“A documentary of the life and time of John Okafor will be showcased.
“The night of tribute which is coming up on the 26th of June will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on the 25th of June between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
“I want to make it categorically clear that there was never a time when such publication emanated from us.
“It’s the handwork of some miscreants, enemies of progress who must have wished for Mr. Ibu’s death and are perhaps happy that Mr. Ibu is no more and wanted to use this medium or avenue to tarnish the name of Mr. Ibu and the Okafor family in general.
“It is a fact that a fund is being raised to support the burial of Mr ibu which is customary in Igbo land where well wishers will be contributing funds to support the burial.
“Some will even bring live cows, provide financial support, provide help in logistics and that’s what is happening in the case of Mr Ibu, so it is not a taboo,” he stated.
Ani thanked the Enugu State Government and some individuals for the support given so far, especially in the provision of accommodations, security personnel in different categories, mobility, and som