Image: Courtesy
The family of veteran Nigerian actor Mr John Okafor aka Mr Ibu has come forward to clarify various rumors about the artist's health that have been spreading on social media.
In the past few days, there have been many rumours claiming that the actor's health has continued to deteriorate and it has been claimed that both his legs have been amputated.
On Sunday however, Mr Okafor's family rubbished the rumours, clarifying that only one of the actor's legs was amputated last month.
"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Nigerians and the public in general for your great contribution, physically, spiritually, and above all financially in making our father Mr John Okafor (Mr Ibu) stand," Mr Okafor's family said in a statement.
In the statement shared on the actor's official Instagram account, the family confirmed that there was however a second cut on the same leg that was operated on last month.
"We want to correct the false claims that are spreading on social media about our father's current state of health.
First we would like to say that our father did not have both legs amputated but only one.
The first amputation did not completely correct his health condition so the doctor had to go forward to amputate the same leg to make sure we don't lose him," the statement added.
Elaborating on the actor's illness, the family said, "The cause of father's illness is not diabetes but he had frequent blood clots in his leg (diseased arteries) and other health challenges that threatened his life, hence the need for cut off."
The family noted that they have not taken the veteran actor abroad for further treatment as a doctor has declared him "unfit for air travel."
"Dad is currently admitted in one of the biggest and best hospitals we have in Nigeria today and the hospital has provided him with a team of dedicated professionals," they said.
The family assured the actor's fans, friends and co-stars that he is on the mend but asked them to continue to offer support and prayers until he is fully recovered.
