Nigerian comic actor Bamidele Oluwatope, widely known by his stage name Okemesi, has passed away following a prolonged health struggle.
The actor died on February 24, 2026. His death was confirmed by his colleague, Jeff “Tony Montana” Owolewa, in an emotional post shared on social media.
According to Owolewa, Okemesi slipped into a coma on Tuesday morning after experiencing complications linked to medication he had been taking. He stated that doctors later pronounced the actor dead at 11:50 a.m. the same day.
Owolewa also disclosed that the late actor’s remains have been taken to a morgue, with funeral arrangements to be announced at a later date. He expressed gratitude to fans and members of the entertainment industry who had shown support during Okemesi’s illness and urged the public to stop sending money to previously shared accounts.
Earlier in the week, Owolewa had informed followers that the comedian had been hospitalised again after his condition worsened. He explained that Okemesi had been unusually weak and had little appetite due to adverse reactions to medication prescribed after an earlier hospital discharge.
After facing challenges securing admission at some hospitals, he was eventually taken to a private medical facility in Lagos, where he was placed on oxygen. Despite medical intervention and prayers from supporters, he did not regain consciousness.
Okemesi’s passing occurred just weeks after he publicly appealed for financial assistance during an appearance on Owolewa’s podcast. During the interview, he spoke about his personal struggles, including homelessness and health challenges that had severely affected his mobility.
He recounted returning to his hometown and at one point living in a church, where he faced daily difficulties meeting basic needs.
Okemesi gained popularity for his roles in Yoruba-language films, earning admiration for his distinctive comedic style and his use of the Ekiti dialect, which endeared him to audiences.
