Popular Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, and his wife, Mabel, have separated after 20 years of “friendship/marriage”.

The comedian confirmed the development in a post on his Instagram page on Sunday.

He said he had reached a stage where he could no longer entertain the public with “deep personal family issues.”

He wrote, “Many people believe that staying silent simply means that one is incapable of dealing with issues. Projecting a negative narrative against someone who is not struggling to defend himself doesn’t mean he is weak. Some of us are just logical enough to understand the difference between opinions, values, beliefs, and facts.

“The personality and ability that I possess simply confirm that I have reached that stage in my life where I can not be entertaining the public with deep personal family issues. They just might be too much to handle concerning the individuals involved. Not even when I have a grown-up daughter who has access to social media. Her mental health needs to be protected from seeing things she can not be proud of online.

“Yes! Without compromising my family, I have found myself doing some things that I am not proud of today. It is one thing to watch my friendship/marriage of 20 years slip off my hands, but it’s another thing for the parties involved to understand how to appropriate the blame in a space that is designed for most women to always play the victims and win. I can tell you for free that no one is completely innocent enough to cast stones.

“Presently, I am loving the way that lies about me in all these blogs are travelling faster than the truth. But my painful truth will eventually beat away all the lies.”

Also, in a post on her Instagram page on Sunday, Mabel said she had stopped reacting to disrespect.

She wrote, “Distance is my new response to disrespect. I don’t react, I don’t argue. I don’t dive into the drama. I just remove myself.”

Ayo and Mabel got married in November 2008, and they are blessed with two children.

The Nigerian entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of John Okafor, popularly known by his stage name Mr Ibu, at the age of 62.

The beloved actor, known for his comedic roles and distinctive character in Nollywood films, passed away on Saturday evening at Evercare Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.

The news of his demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and among his vast fan base.

Mr Ibu’s career spanned several decades, during which he became one of the most recognizable faces in Nollywood, endearing himself to millions with his humour and unique portrayal of characters.

Fans and colleagues have flooded social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), with condolences and tributes, reminiscing about the joy and laughter he brought into their lives through his memorable film roles.

The actor’s health had been a subject of concern in recent years, with reports indicating he faced multiple health challenges.

His situation had become so dire that amputation was deemed necessary to improve his chances of survival.

Despite these challenges, an update from his family in November suggested he was on the path to recovery, making the news of his passing all the more shocking.

Mr Ibu’s life was not without its trials; he openly discussed being targeted by individuals who envied his success. In 2019, he revealed that some of his kinsmen had paid his domestic workers to poison him due to jealousy over his flourishing career.

He claimed to have been poisoned on three separate occasions, with the most recent being in May 2022.

In an emotional interview, Okafor reflected on his near-death experiences and his determination to survive, attributing his recovery to divine intervention. He revealed that he was “seeing people on the other side”.

He said, “My illness was perpetrated by people that hate me. They did what they did to me. Later, I was taken to the hospital. The doctors are prophets. So, they went into my system and they told me what was wrong and what they were going to do. I said ‘Whatever you are going to do, please, do it, let me live because if I die like this the enemies will laugh’. And then the doctors said ‘Okay, there’s no problem’.”

The actor’s passing comes less than 24 hours after the death of another actor, Yoruba movie industry’s, Quadri Oyebamiji, known as Sisi Quadri, further deepening the sense of loss within the Nigerian film industry.

As the news of Mr Ibu’s death spreads, several notable figures in Nollywood have expressed their sorrow by posting lighted candles on social media in his honour, a gesture symbolizing remembrance and respect for the departed soul.

The family and representatives of Mr Ibu have yet to make a formal announcement regarding his passing.

John Okafor’s legacy as Mr Ibu will live on through the extensive body of work he leaves behind, serving as a testament to his talent, resilience, and the indelible mark he made on Nollywood and its audience around the world.

Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, has mourned the passing of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor AKA Mr Ibu.

Mr Ibu passed away on Saturday after a long battle with an ailment.

Writing on his X page, Peter Obi said Mr Ibu’s death is a huge loss to Nigeria and the entertainment industry.

“Just as I tweeted my condolence on the death of Nollywood actor Sisi Quadri, a lot of people, through my comments section, called my attention to the death of veteran Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

“His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness. When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.

“His death is a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry, but to the nation. Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.

“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days and the entire Nollywood family. We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind.

“May God who called him home grant him eternal rest and grant his family, and all of us who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace Mr Ibu!” Obi wrote.