Absence of Nollywood stars raises eyebrows at late actor Okemesi’s burial
The burial of late Nollywood comic actor and content creator, Bamidele Oluwatope Saint, better known as Okemesi, has sparked controversy following the noticeable absence of prominent industry figures at his final rites.
Okemesi was laid to rest on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Ayobo Cemetery in Lagos State. While family members, close associates and a handful of colleagues were present, many observers noted that no major Nollywood celebrities were seen at the ceremony.
A protégé of the late actor publicly expressed disappointment over the situation, questioning why leading figures in the industry failed to attend.
“What has Okemesi done to these celebrities? I didn’t see any celebrity at my boss’s burial. Okemesi was a very peaceful person. When I once had issues with a celebrity, he immediately called us together to settle it. Today, none of them came to pay their last respects. Oga o,” the grieving associate lamented.
The remarks have since generated debate on social media, with some users criticising the perceived lack of solidarity within the film industry, while others argued that private condolences may have been extended behind the scenes.
Okemesi reportedly passed away on February 24, 2026, due to complications arising from medication.
His death came weeks after he publicly spoke about health challenges he described as a spiritual attack, which he said left him paralysed.
Prior to his passing, fellow actor Jeff Omolewa, better known as Tony Montana had appealed to the public for financial assistance on his behalf while he was in a coma.
He narrated how the late actor was relocated to another apartment secured and furnished with funds realised from the public.
Montana said the late actor developed complications from the drugs he was given at the hospital he attended last on Saturday.
By the following day, Sunday, he was rushed to three different hospital which rejected him before he was taken back the the hospital he was first treated at.
He later passed away.
See videos of the account of his last moments here.
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