LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nollywood actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has criticized Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of late comic legend Mr Ibu, after she appealed for financial assistance online, alleging that the veteran actor left behind valuable investments that should be accounted for.
Hours after content creator King Mitchy shared a video of Mr Ibu’s family seeking public support to cover house rent and her children’s school fees, Tenkobo argued that the situation being presented to the public did not reflect the actor’s financial legacy.
According to him, Mr Ibu, whose real name was John Okafor, invested heavily during his lifetime, acquiring landed properties and houses while also providing for members of his family.
Reacting via a response video, Tenkobo accused Stella Maris and other family members of disposing of some of the late actor’s investments, insisting they should explain what became of the proceeds before requesting financial assistance from the public.
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Questioning the basis of the appeal, he said, “Does it mean that because you are the wife of a legend, you should not work, get handwork, or have something doing? What if Ibu is not an actor?”
The actor also disclosed that he contacted Mr Ibu’s first son, Valentine Okafor, after watching Stella’s video.
Tenkobo stated that the conversation left him emotional because of his long-standing relationship with the late comic star.
Sharing details of their bond, Tenkobo said, “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.”
He further claimed that Stella had previously made similar public appeals even while Mr Ibu was still alive, adding that they discussed the issue with the late actor at the time.
Tenkobo also disputed claims that Chelsea was Mr Ibu’s only daughter, insisting the veteran actor had several children.
“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,” he stated.
While stressing that he had no issue with people seeking genuine help, the actor argued that portraying Mr Ibu as someone who failed to provide for his family was misleading.
“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,” the actor added.
He therefore maintained that the late actor earned substantial income from Nollywood and invested wisely, before raising questions about the fate of those assets.
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“That man made money from Nollywood and he invested the money… 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?” he asked.
Concluding his remarks, Tenkobo urged members of the public to make informed decisions before donating, insisting that any support offered should not be based on the belief that Mr Ibu left nothing behind.
“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 reiterated.
The exchange has further intensified public debate surrounding the late actor’s estate, with fans calling for greater transparency while others continue to express sympathy for his family following the emotional appeals shared online.
