- Nollywood actor Fred Ebere, known as Tenkobo, criticized Stella Maris Okafor, widow of actor Mr Ibu.
- Stella Maris made a public appeal for financial help due to struggles with rent and school fees for her children.
- Her video, shared by influencer King Mitchy, generated significant online reactions.
Nollywood comic actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has publicly criticized Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of late veteran actor Mr Ibu, over her recent appeal for financial assistance.
Stella Maris had sparked reactions online after appearing in a video shared by influencer King Mitchy, where she appealed to Nigerians for support, citing difficulties in paying her house rent and covering her children’s school fees.
Reacting to the development, Tenkobo, who was both a close colleague and longtime family friend of the late actor, questioned the need for the public appeal. He alleged that Stella Maris was attempting to capitalize on Mr Ibu’s popularity and legacy to attract sympathy and financial support.
The actor further claimed that several of Mr Ibu’s assets, including properties and landed investments, had been sold by family members after his passing. He challenged Stella Maris to explain what happened to the proceeds from those assets.
Tenkobo also stressed that being married to a celebrated entertainer should not prevent someone from finding a means of livelihood. He questioned the expectation that the public should continue to provide support simply because of her connection to the late actor.
“Does being the wife of a legend mean you cannot work or learn a trade? What would have happened if Mr Ibu had not been a famous actor?” he asked.
The comedian went on to reveal details of conversations he claimed to have had with members of Mr Ibu’s family regarding the situation, adding another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the late actor’s estate and family affairs.
“Guys, that’s the voice of Mr Ibu’s first son, Valentine Okafor. He is in his late 30s, if he is not yet 40. Because when I saw the video by Stella, I vex. I had to call the boy and I said, ‘See wetin I see.’ The boy broke down. You can hear what he just said on the phone, that I know John Okafor more than how many people know him because of my relationship with him.
“My relationship with Okafor started from colleagues to friends, from friends to father and son, and from father and son to partners in crime. That’s how much my relationship with him grew. Now, this video wey Stella do is not her first. Stella has done this type of video before, even when Mr Ibu was alive. That time the man dey alive and I asked am, ‘Baba, why this kind thing?’ Me and am discussed am, everything end.
“Now claiming that Chelsea is the only daughter, na lie. Ibu get plenty children. His first girl is in her late 20s. She’s the one that carried his photo frame during the burial. Now telling people you did not pay house rent. What I want to ask before I proceed now is, does it mean that because you are the wife of a legend, you should not work, get handwork, or get something doing? What if Ibu is not an actor? I’m not angry if you came out to solicit for help. But presenting it as if the man did not leave anything behind, did not plan his life well, or did not invest.
“That man made money from Nollywood and he invested the money. One of the greatest problems wey Ibu get na family, both his immediate brother and his wives and sons. Ibu tried very well to invest. The question now is, who sold all his landed properties that he invested in? He bought plenty of lands and houses. Did he sell them before he died? No be una still sell all his properties? After selling those properties, what did you do with the money?
“So, my people. Anybody that wants to help Stella should not help her with the mindset that Ibu did not invest or leave anything behind. Ibu did well. He planned his life well and also invested in the lives of every member of his family and associates. So, this video by Stella is not necessary. It’s just to bring the man’s name into the mud. What did she do with the money from the last house she sold?” he asked.
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