The Actors Guild of Nigeria has denied claims made by Stella Okafor, wife of ailing actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, that the guild has never been there for him.
On Wednesday, October 18, Ibu came out publicly to seek assistance as he battled an undisclosed ailment.
The guild was afterwards accused of abandoning the actor who has contributed immensely to the movie industry.
In a video posted on instagram on Friday, October 20, the guild’s Director Of Communications, Kate Henshaw, said the union has remained committed to supporting its members in times of need, particularly concerning health concerns.
The statement in part said;
‘’We are compelled to make this public statement in reaction to the vituperations of some netizens over the health of one of our respected and esteemed members, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.
“We are not here to join issues with anybody, but we want to set the records straight over the public outcry the guild and his colleagues have abandoned him at his point of need.
“The guild has never abandoned any of its members in need, especially with health interventions. We have been in the forefront of providing necessary support to mr Ibu even before his health conditions was ever made public.”
Shortly after the statement was released, Mr Ibu’s wife released a video denying claims that the agency has been there for her husband.
In the video, the distraught wife of the actor said;
‘’I am not happy at all. Look at the situation of things and look at how my husband is lying on the sick bed and AGN came out to be talking about what they did not do.
“How can they came online and be saying they are supporting my husband from beginning when they are have not done anything.
” I contacted Emeka Rollas. I sent him a message which he read and did not reply. The message is still there. I called him and he did not answer my call. I sent him and message and he did not reply me.
” So why did they come and be saying what they did not do? What kind of a thing is this? I have been suffering since, been in the hospital taking care of my husband and now they are coming out to say what they did not do. This is totally unfair.”
Responding to her allegation, Kate Henshaw said the guild has been supportive of the actor but that his ailment keeps reoccuring and that he is expected to sort it out himself.
She pointed out that had supported the actor in 2021 and thar in June 2022, the actor’s daughter, Jasmine sent a message to the president of the guild, Emeka Rollas, thanking him for being there for the ailing Okafor.
Kate stated that there are bank statements and other evidence to back up claims that the guild has been there for Mr Ibu.
She stated that the guild is not a charitable organization nor a bank nor a hospital
