Nollywood Actor, Bamidele ‘Okemesi’ Oluwatope Dies After Illness
Nollywood comic actor and content creator, Bamidele ‘Okemesi’ Oluwatope has died after a prolonged illness, his colleague Jeff ‘Tony Montana’ Owolewa announced on Tuesday.
Owolewa disclosed in a video shared on Instagram that the actor was pronounced dead at about 11:50 a.m. on February 24, 2026. He said the family had deposited the body in a morgue and would announce funeral arrangements later.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Owolewa expressed appreciation to individuals who offered financial and moral support during the late actor’s illness. He also appealed to the public to stop sending donations to the account previously shared for medical assistance, noting that it would be deactivated.
The actor’s death followed weeks of health challenges that had drawn public sympathy. Reports earlier indicated that he slipped into a coma after experiencing complications linked to medication administered during a hospital admission.
In a viral video circulated before his death, Okemesi had spoken about battling severe health issues and unstable living conditions. He attributed his prolonged illness to what he described as a spiritual attack.
He said he initially received treatment at Island Hospital before being moved to Osogbo in Osun State, where he underwent further care and spiritual interventions that reportedly helped him regain partial movement.
Okemesi built a reputation in the entertainment industry through comedy skits and online performances that showcased his energetic delivery and witty storytelling. His popularity grew further after participating in the De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt, where his stand-up routines attracted wide attention.
Known for seamlessly blending English, Yoruba and his native Ekiti dialect, he carved a niche for himself in both digital comedy and film. His film credits include roles in productions such as “Dearest,” produced by Kunle Afod, as well as “Aborisade,” “Mebamu,” and “The Order.”
Tributes have begun to pour in from colleagues and fans across the Nollywood community as news of his passing spreads.
