By Peter Dansu The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly ...
By Peter Dansu
The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran. He was aged 70.
The news was confirmed on Friday by movie executive and producer Seun Oloketuyi, who announced via Instagram that the celebrated actor passed away earlier in the day.
“Popular actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, died Friday morning. Details soon,” Oloketuyi wrote.
A household name in the Yoruba movie industry, Chief Kanran was revered for his charismatic presence, refined taste, witty delivery, and unforgettable portrayals of kings, chiefs, and respected elders. His career, which began in 1975, spanned stage, television, and film, leaving a legacy that defined an era of Nigerian entertainment.
Born Olusegun Akinremi, he started his journey on stage before breaking into television with the National Television Authority (NTA) drama series and later transitioning to Yoruba films. His credits include Ewe Orun, Aiye, Efunsetan Aniwura, Agbarin, and Bata Wahala. On stage, he famously played the title role in Ola Rotimi’s Kurunmi and starred in Nigeria’s drama entry for Festac ’77, Langbodo, at the National Arts Theatre, Lagos.
On television, his role as Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama broadcast on October 1, 1988, cemented his popularity. He also appeared in the acclaimed soap operas Mirror in the Sun and Images.
Details surrounding the cause of his death have not been disclosed, and the family is yet to release an official statement on burial arrangements.
Chief Kanran’s death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s performing arts, leaving colleagues, fans, and admirers with cherished memories of his work and personality.
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