Nollywood actor Fred Ebere, popularly known as Tenkobo, has sparked a public controversy by criticizing Stella Maris Okafor, the widow of late veteran actor Mr Ibu, over her recent plea for financial assistance. In a video shared by influencer King Mitchy, Stella Maris appealed to Nigerians for help with rent and school fees for her children, a move that drew widespread reactions online. Tenkobo, who was a close friend and longtime colleague of Mr Ibu, questioned the sincerity of the appeal, suggesting it was an attempt to exploit the late actor’s legacy for sympathy and donations.
He argued that Mr Ibu, whose real name was John Okafor, had invested heavily in properties and landed assets during his lifetime. Tenkobo claimed that these assets were sold by family members after his death and raised concerns about the whereabouts of the proceeds. He challenged Stella Maris to explain how the funds from those sales were managed, emphasizing that Mr Ibu had planned for his family’s future. “That man made money from Nollywood and he invested the money,” Tenkobo stated, adding that Mr Ibu’s investments were meant to secure the lives of his family and associates.
Tenkobo also questioned whether being married to a celebrated figure should exempt someone from seeking employment or learning a trade. He asked, “Does being the wife of a legend mean you cannot work or learn a trade? What would have happened if Mr Ibu had not been a famous actor?” He expressed disappointment, stating that he had previously discussed similar concerns with Mr Ibu while he was alive, and those issues had been resolved. He further revealed that Stella Maris had made similar appeals even during Mr Ibu’s lifetime, which he found troubling.
In an emotional statement, Tenkobo shared that he had spoken with Mr Ibu’s first son, Valentine Okafor, who broke down during the conversation. He emphasized his deep personal relationship with Mr Ibu, describing it as evolving from colleagues to friends, then to father-son, and finally to “partners in crime.” He also disputed Stella Maris’s claim that Chelsea is Mr Ibu’s only daughter, stating that the late actor had multiple children, including a daughter in her late 20s who carried his photo frame at the burial.
Tenkobo urged anyone wishing to help Stella Maris to do so without the assumption that Mr Ibu left nothing behind. He stressed that Mr Ibu had planned well and invested in his family’s future. He concluded by suggesting that the video was unnecessary and potentially damaging to Mr Ibu’s legacy. The controversy has reignited public interest in the late actor’s estate and family dynamics, with many Nigerians now closely watching how the situation unfolds.
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