Fresh controversy has erupted within the family of late Nollywood legend John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, following claims by his son, Valentine Okafor, that the actor’s widow, Stella Maris Okafor, is not financially stranded despite recent public appeals for assistance.
The development comes days after TikTok content creator King Mitchy urged Nigerians to support Stella Maris, claiming she was struggling to pay her rent and her children’s school fees after visiting the family.
However, Valentine dismissed the claims, alleging that his stepmother was using the late actor’s name to solicit money from the public.
According to him, Stella Maris is not broke but is seeking financial support to maintain what he described as an extravagant lifestyle.
He further accused her of exploiting his father’s legacy and public goodwill for financial gain.
The allegations were echoed by comedian and actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, who criticised Stella Maris for publicly seeking financial assistance.
Tenkobo questioned why the widow had resorted to public fundraising, alleging that Mr Ibu left behind valuable investments, including landed properties and houses.
He also accused Stella Maris and some members of the actor’s family of selling those assets after his death without explaining what became of the proceeds.
“What if Ibu wasn’t an actor?” Tenkobo asked. “Does it mean that because you are the wife of a legend, you should not work, learn a skill or have something doing?”
The comedian said he contacted Valentine after seeing Stella Maris’ appeal, adding that the late actor’s son became emotional during their conversation.
According to Tenkobo, he enjoyed a close relationship with Mr Ibu that evolved from colleagues to close friends and eventually a father-son bond.
He further claimed that this was not the first time Stella Maris had publicly appealed for financial assistance, alleging she made similar appeals while Mr Ibu was still alive.
Tenkobo also disputed suggestions that Chelsea was Mr Ibu’s only daughter, insisting the late actor had several children and had made efforts to provide for his family during his lifetime.
He maintained that Mr Ibu invested heavily in real estate and other assets, questioning what became of those properties after his death.
“Ibu made money from Nollywood and invested it. The question is, who sold all the landed properties and houses he acquired? After selling those properties, what was done with the money?” he asked.
The comedian urged Nigerians who wish to support Stella Maris to do so with full knowledge that, according to him, the late actor was not financially irresponsible and left behind investments for his family.
Stella Maris has yet to publicly respond to the allegations made by Valentine Okafor and Tenkobo.
