The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, Stella Maris Okafor, has refuted allegations that she secretly disposed of her late husband’s properties and kept the proceeds for herself.
Speaking in a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris insisted that the sale of the property was carried out legally and in compliance with a court order.
According to her, the transaction was jointly handled by herself and Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, adding that she possesses documents 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 stated.
The clarification comes amid renewed public attention on the late actor’s family following revelations about their financial struggles after his death.
Stella Maris also spoke about her current source of livelihood, revealing that she operates an online jewellery business. She explained that she had wanted to venture into the business years ago but was
discouraged by her late husband because she was actively pursuing her 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 leave her current residence, describing the accommodation as too expensive to maintain. According to her, she only moved there because of 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.”
Addressing claims made online by a young man alleging he is one of Mr Ibu’s children who 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 that she share 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?”
