Popular Nigerian comic actor Bamidele Oluwatope, widely known as Okemesi, has been buried in Lagos following his death after a prolonged illness.
Okemesi passed away on February 24, 2026, after battling an undisclosed health condition. His remains were laid to rest on Friday at the Ayobami Cemetery in Lagos, amid tears and emotional scenes from family members, friends, and colleagues.
A viral video from the burial ceremony captured the intense grief at the graveside. In the clip, a woman believed to be the late actor’s sister was seen wailing uncontrollably, demanding answers from whoever might be responsible for her “brother’s death”.
Okemesi, who endeared himself to fans through his unique humour and distinctive use of the Ekiti dialect in Yoruba movies, had earlier spoken openly about his struggles. In an interview on his colleague Jeff Owolewa’s podcast, the actor revealed that he had become homeless and was battling what he described as a spiritual attack that temporarily left him crippled.
Confirming his death, Owolewa disclosed that the actor slipped into a coma hours before he passed on. According to him, Okemesi had been rushed back to the hospital after suffering a relapse.
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He further revealed that securing admission for the comedian proved difficult due to limited space at several hospitals before he was eventually admitted into a private medical facility in Lagos, where he was placed on oxygen support.
Despite medical efforts and fervent prayers from colleagues and fans, Okemesi never regained consciousness, marking a painful end to the life of the beloved entertainer.