Nollywood Actor Okemesi in Coma Following Medication Complications
Lagos, Nigeria – Popular Nigerian comic actor Bamidele Tope Saint, widely known as Okemesi, is reportedly in a coma after experiencing complications stemming from medication he received during a recent hospital stay. The concerning news emerged late Monday night, prompting an outpouring of support and calls for financial assistance from fans and colleagues within the Nollywood film industry. The situation unfolds just days after Okemesi, who had recently faced homelessness, moved into a new apartment secured through public donations, highlighting a dramatic turn in the actor’s circumstances.
The update regarding Okemesi’s health was initially shared by fellow actor Jeff Owolewa, also known as Tony Montana, via his Instagram account. Owolewa detailed a harrowing account of Okemesi’s deteriorating condition and the challenges faced in securing adequate medical care. This incident underscores the often-precarious health infrastructure and access to care faced by many in Nigeria, even those in the public eye. The actor’s current condition has sparked a renewed conversation about the welfare of performers in the Nigerian entertainment sector and the need for robust support systems.
Recent Illness and Public Support
Okemesi’s health struggles became public knowledge in recent weeks when he appealed for financial assistance after falling ill and becoming homeless. The Nollywood community and the wider public responded with significant generosity, raising funds to provide him with housing and medical attention. According to reports, the actor had been experiencing an unspecified illness that left him unable to afford basic necessities, leading to his displacement. Naija News reported that the public’s swift response allowed Okemesi to secure a new apartment just two days before his current health crisis.
However, this brief period of stability was shattered when Okemesi began to exhibit adverse reactions to medication prescribed during a previous hospital visit. Owolewa explained that the actor’s condition rapidly declined over the weekend, with Okemesi experiencing a loss of appetite and excessive sleepiness. These symptoms prompted Owolewa to rush Okemesi to the hospital on Monday morning, initiating a desperate search for medical care.
Hospital Rejections and Emergency Readmission
Owolewa’s account paints a disturbing picture of the challenges faced in accessing healthcare for Okemesi. He alleges that multiple hospitals, including a government facility in Igodo, initially refused to admit the actor, citing a lack of available bed space. The Nation Online corroborates this claim, reporting that Owolewa was forced to return to the private hospital where Okemesi had initially received treatment. This situation raises serious questions about the capacity and responsiveness of the healthcare system in the region.
Upon readmission to the private hospital, Okemesi was stabilized, but his condition subsequently worsened, leading to a coma. As of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, he remains in a coma and is currently on oxygen support. Owolewa stated that Okemesi’s breathing is gradually improving, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the critical situation. “So they admitted him and stabilised him. His breathing is improving. He has been in coma since Monday morning. They have placed him on oxygen,” Owolewa reportedly said, appealing for prayers and financial assistance.