Popular Broadcast Sports Journalist Temisan Okomi Passes Away After Brief Illness

The Nigerian media industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran sports broadcast journalist Temisan Okomi, popularly known as “Uncle Temisan.”

Okomi passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, after a brief illness, according to multiple sources including his employer and family members. He was until his death the Group Head of the Sports Department at Classic FM 97.3, a Lagos-based radio station where he had worked for over twelve years.

Classic FM confirmed his passing in an emotional statement on social media. “With the heaviest of hearts, we regret to announce the passing of one of our staff, Temisan Okomi, following a brief illness. Until his passing, Temisan was the Group Head of the Sports Department. He was a valued member of our team whose contributions and presence will be deeply missed,” the radio station said.

According to reports, Okomi suffered an asthma attack on Friday morning and was rushed to the hospital, where he died despite efforts by medical personnel to save him. His wife, Veronica, confirmed that he had been in good health earlier in the week and had resumed work at Classic FM before falling ill on Wednesday.

Okomi was a graduate of Agronomy and Crop Science from the University of Uyo before venturing into sports journalism. Over a career spanning decades, he worked with several prominent media organizations, including Lagos Television, the defunct High Television, and other broadcasting companies. He joined Classic FM in 2014 and rose to become the organisation’s head of sports.

Tributes have poured in from across the country, with colleagues, friends, and fans taking to social media to express their shock and grief. Many recalled his distinctive voice, his passion for sports, and his willingness to mentor younger journalists.

Sports journalist Olawale Adigun, who broke the news on X, wrote, “The worst way to go into the weekend is hearing about Temisan Okomi’s passing. I’m so gutted and, at the same time, terrified. This man meant so much to me.” Adigun added, “Fell in love with Temisan Okomi at LTV, I was a fan from that time. The style, panache, delivery, attention to pronunciation, and most importantly, the substance of the work. I pray God upholds his wife and the Boys. The Nigerian broadcast industry lost a legend.”

Popular photojournalist Sulaiman Adebayo, known as Pooja Media, also paid tribute. “We lost a legend in our industry. A man, despite being a big broadcaster at HITV then, opened doors for young people like us to thrive in the sports industry. I’m grateful that while alive, we told him consistently how he impacted our lives. RIP Temisan Okomi,” he wrote.

Sports broadcaster Joy Ojeabulu said, “I have so much to say, but all I know is you lived, impacted lives and was so respectful of all, both old and especially young. You will be remembered as the legendary man you are, uncle Temisan.”

Fellow broadcaster Osikhena Dirisu, known as Osi Suave, expressed his grief in a post on X. “Temisan, this wasn’t the plan. I have cried so much that I have a headache. But I’m consoled by the fact that you were such a good man. Thank you for the memories, the friendship and the laughter. Rest well, my Egbon,” he wrote.

Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw also mourned the journalist, saying she was “so gutted and, at the same time, terrified,” adding that the man meant so much to her.

Japheth Omojuwa described Okomi as an inspiring family man who was intentional about putting young people on. “He played his part in helping to get a number of people’s careers started who have themselves gone on to do some extraordinary things. Life is what it is. He lived a full life and was never shy of taking a stand whenever he needed to. His passing comes as a rude shock,” Omojuwa wrote.

Okomi was a known Arsenal fan, and his last post on X was on April 14, 2026, where he commented on the UEFA Champions League. “The Champions League is hard, man,” he wrote.

He is survived by his wife, Veronica, and three sons. His family has requested prayers and privacy as they mourn this painful loss.