Stella Maris Okafor, widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has dismissed allegations that she secretly sold her late husband’s property and kept the proceeds.
Speaking in a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris said the property was sold legally and in line with a court order, stressing that the transaction was jointly carried out by herself and the late actor’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor.
According to her, she has documentary evidence to support her claims.
“I have to show you this document. This is a court order. We—I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order. Every evidence is here. We sold the house. I am not the one that sold the house,” she said.
Her clarification comes amid renewed public scrutiny of the late actor’s family following reports of financial difficulties after his death.
Stella Maris also revealed that she now runs an online jewellery business, explaining that she had long desired to venture into the trade but was discouraged by her late husband because she was actively pursuing an acting career.
“I have a page online where I sell jewellery, and I am still selling my jewellery. When I wanted to start this business, my late husband stopped me because I was acting. My late husband was my colleague in the industry,” she said.
She further disclosed plans to relocate from her current residence, describing the accommodation as too expensive to maintain. According to her, she only moved into the house due to security concerns and public pressure following her husband’s death.
“I did not intend to come to this place. It’s because of pressure and security, but I am packing out,” she added.
Addressing claims by a young man on social media who alleged he is one of Mr Ibu’s children and was denied financial support, Stella Maris said disputes over money began shortly after the actor’s burial.
She alleged that some members of the late actor’s family demanded a share of the money donated to her during the burial ceremony, despite her insistence that the funds were meant for the welfare of her children.
“Before they sold the land, we were still in the village, and they were dragging with me over the money that was given to me during the burial. They insisted that I should share the money with them. I told them that this was money given to me for my children. Why should I come and share it with you people?” she said.
