MR IBO, THE MAN WHO MADE AFRICA LAUGH

SUCH was the comic genius of Nigerian actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, that he often didn’t even need to open his mouth to make people laugh.

“I was chosen to play a doctor in a film one time and when I came to the set dressed as one, even without saying anything, all the crew just burst out laughing,” he recalled.

His death at the age of 62 has left family, friends and fans of Nigeria’s film industry Nollywood across Africa in mourning.

He burst onto the scene in 2004 with the movie Mr Ibu, which tells the story of the eponymous single father and his son as they journey through life, getting into a series of tricky, and hilarious predicaments.

“His facial expressions and his body were his biggest selling points,” film director Babangida Bangis told the BBC, contrasting him to most comic actors who use words to make people laugh.

“Mr Ibu was different as he doesn’t even have to talk to elicit laughter, as his face just like Mr Bean [Rowan Atkinson] will do the trick.”

Born on 17 October 1961, the actor hailed from the south-eastern Enugu state, which has produced a long list of Nollywood stars.

Okafor didn’t have an easy childhood, moving to another town early on in his life to live with his brother, and doing menial jobs to survive and support his family.

After trying his hands in professions from hair styling to photography, he went to a film audition where he was spotted by legendary actor Pete Edochie who saw his talent and opened the doors of Nollywood to him.

Since the announcement of his death, tributes have been pouring in.

It is believed that the actor suffered from diabetes, but no cause of death has been announced by his family.

He was married five times, most of which ended in bitter divorces.

He recently described his fifth marriage as being even less happy than his previous ones.

Local media say he is survived by 13 children but some of these have also been a cause of concern.

After his fans donated money for his operation, his son Daniel Okafor and adopted daughter Jasmine Chioma were arrested on suspicion of hacking into his phone and taking $60,700 (£47,800) for themselves.