Nollywood actor Oluwatope Bamidele Saint, popularly known as Okemesi, has died after a prolonged battle with illness.
The news of his death was announced by fellow actor Jeff Owolewa in an emotional post shared on Instagram.
“With a heavy heart, I am announcing to the world that Oluwatope Bamidele Saint, Okemesi is dead. We have taken the body to the morgue and I will communicate the rest of the arrangement to you guys,” Jeff wrote.
He also used the opportunity to thank everyone who supported the late actor financially and emotionally during his difficult period. According to him, many fans sent money to assist with medical bills and to improve Okemesi’s living condition.
Okemesi’s passing came shortly after he was discharged from hospital and moved into a new apartment reportedly secured through contributions from his supporters.
Giving a detailed account of what happened before his death, Jeff explained that Okemesi had earlier been hospitalised and was discharged on Friday. After his discharge, he was taken to the new house that fans helped to provide for him.
Jeff said the actor appeared excited and full of life when he arrived at the apartment. He described him as happy to leave his former residence and start afresh in a better environment.
“He was vibing, he was happy. He was all over the house,” Jeff recalled. He added that Okemesi ate his food and took the medication prescribed by doctors before going to bed.
However, the situation changed suddenly on Sunday night. Jeff said he received a call in the middle of the night from people around the actor, saying they did not understand how he was feeling. His condition had reportedly worsened.
By early Monday morning, Jeff got to the house and found that Okemesi could barely move. They immediately rushed him to a private hospital for urgent medical attention.
After examining him, the doctors at the private hospital reportedly advised that he should be taken to another private medical facility in Igando for further care.
Jeff said they proceeded to the General Hospital in Igando and appealed to the doctor on duty to admit him. According to him, the doctor told them clearly that the hospital would not be able to admit the actor because there were no available beds. They were advised to seek help at another hospital.
With limited options, they decided to return him to the hospital in Ogun State that had previously treated and discharged him. The hospital eventually admitted him again.
Jeff noted that his breathing improved after he was readmitted. Despite that improvement, the actor slipped into a coma shortly afterwards.
In an earlier update before announcing his death, Jeff had told supporters that Okemesi was in a coma and that they were praying for his recovery.
