Nigeria, March 4 -- John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, is remembered as one of Nigeria's most effortlessly funny and beloved comic actors of all time.

From his beginnings as a boxer, football coach, hairstylist, photographer and karate practitioner to making a name as a slapstick comedian whose acting is often characterised by stupidity, it was clear from the get-go that Mr Ibu was unlike any of his contemporaries.

But that long legacy of creativity ended Saturday evening when Mr Ibu, 62, died after suffering a cardiac arrest. A statement from the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, confirmed.

When the news of his death filtered in on Saturday evening, many waved it aside because it was just impossible for someone who brought joy to many home...