Nollywood Content Creator Alleges Okemesi's Death Could Have Been Prevented
A Nollywood content creator has made startling claims about the late comic actor Bamidele Tope Saint, popularly known as Okemesi, suggesting that his tragic death might have been avoided under different circumstances. The actor reportedly passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, after falling into a coma due to complications from medication received at a private medical center, sparking widespread mourning in the Nigerian film industry.
Content Creator Barrow's Allegations
In a viral video that surfaced online, content creator Barrow, identified as a friend of Okemesi, alleged that the actor was not entirely truthful about his situation. Barrow claimed that Okemesi would not have passed away in the manner he did, implying that the actor brought the situation upon himself through his actions. According to Barrow, Okemesi came to him during a difficult period when things were not going well, and he took responsibility for the actor's welfare.
Barrow stated that he provided for Okemesi's feeding, accommodation, and other needs, and began creating skits for him. He opened Instagram and TikTok accounts where their content was posted, which helped Okemesi gain significant attention and popularity. Barrow further claimed that he reached out to fellow skit makers to collaborate with Okemesi and ensured the actor was paid for the jobs he completed, sharing old videos of their skits as evidence of their partnership.
Financial Details and Departure
Barrow added that Okemesi was paid between N150,000 and N200,000 for some projects, and he kept most of the money for the actor. However, he alleged that Okemesi woke up one day and announced he was traveling to Ekiti to see his family, never returning afterward. Barrow claimed he transferred all the money to Okemesi and has evidence of the transactions, noting that some of the actor's clothes are still in his house.
According to Barrow, he chose not to publicly call out Okemesi at the time because he did not want people to stop helping the actor. He expressed frustration that after Okemesi left, he contacted him about pending jobs, but the actor repeatedly said he was on his way back without ever returning.
Fans React to the Claims
Fans have reacted strongly to Barrow's video, with mixed opinions on social media. Some users commented on the actor's physical appearance, while others urged respect for the deceased. One fan wrote, "He is late now, let him rest in peace," highlighting the sensitivity of discussing such matters after a tragic loss. The video has sparked debates about accountability and the pressures faced by entertainers in Nigeria.
This incident follows previous reports of struggles in the entertainment industry, such as gospel singer Bukola Oke breaking down over career challenges. The claims by Barrow add a new layer to the ongoing conversation about support systems and transparency within Nollywood, as the community continues to grieve Okemesi's untimely passing.
