News of his passing was confirmed on Tuesday night by fellow actor Jeff Owolewa, widely known as Tony Montana, in a video posted on Instagram. He disclosed that Okemesi was pronounced dead at 11:50 a.m. on February 24, 2026, after battling health complications.
“With a heavy heart, I am announcing to the world that Okemesi is dead… The doctor pronounced him dead at precisely 11:50am this morning,” Owolewa said, adding that the late actor’s body had been deposited in the morgue. He also thanked supporters who had contributed financially toward Okemesi’s treatment and urged the public to stop sending donations, noting that the account created for medical support would be deactivated.
Health Struggles Before Passing
Okemesi’s death comes weeks after concerns were raised about his deteriorating health. According to colleagues and associates, he had fallen into a coma following complications from medication administered during a recent hospital stay.
In a viral video shared prior to his death, the actor appealed for financial assistance, revealing that he was battling serious health challenges and did not have stable accommodation. He initially received treatment at Island Hospital before being transferred to Osogbo, Osun State, where he reportedly regained partial mobility after further care and spiritual interventions.
The late actor had attributed his prolonged illness to what he described as a spiritual attack.
Career and Legacy
Okemesi rose to prominence through comedy skits and online content, gaining a strong following for his energetic performances and relatable humour. His breakthrough came after appearances in talent competitions, including the De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt, where his stand-up routines drew widespread attention.
Known for seamlessly blending English, Yoruba, and his native Ekiti dialect, he carved a niche for himself in Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment scene.
His acting credits include roles in Yoruba-language and mainstream Nollywood productions such as Dearest, produced by Kunle Afod, as well as Aborisade, Mebamu, and The Order.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans, and members of the Nollywood community, many of whom remembered him as a lively performer who brought laughter to audiences despite his personal struggles.
As arrangements for his burial are expected to be announced in the coming days, the industry reflects on the loss of a comic talent whose distinctive style and linguistic versatility made him a beloved figure among fans.