Veteran Nollywood Actor Chief Kanran Dies At 72

Veteran Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known as Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.

His death was confirmed on Friday by film producer Seun Oloketuyi through an Instagram post, though no details were given about the cause. Actor Yemi Solade also reacted to the news, sharing a video of himself with Chief Kanran and actress Jayeola Kuti, captioned, “I am yet to believe he is no more.”

Remi’s career began in the 1970s with stage productions like Kurunmi by Ola Rotimi and later Langbodo, Nigeria’s official entry for FESTAC’77. He rose to prominence in 1988 for his portrayal of Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama, a role that earned him his enduring nickname.

Over the decades, he featured in numerous Yoruba-language films, including Vigilante, Ose-Sango, Eri Okan, Itunnu, Eewo, Idunnu, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ajaka Oko, Ayanmo, Great Bird of Eternity, Shattered Bridge, Oba Oluaiye, Bibi Ire, Ilu le, and I50 Million. Known for often playing wealthy or authoritative figures, Chief Kanran also worked as a director and priest.

Remi openly discussed the struggles faced by veteran actors and once revealed that fires had destroyed his office and production equipment on three separate occasions, derailing his filmmaking efforts. His death highlights the plight of older Nollywood stars, a cause he consistently championed in his later years.