Yoruba movie legend, Chief Kanran, dies at 69

Nollywood has been thrown into mourning following the death of Olusegun Akinremi, the legendary Yoruba actor popularly known as Chief Kanran.

He passed away on Friday at a Lagos hospital after a brief illness, just three days shy of his 70th birthday.

Family sources confirmed the sad news, though an official statement is still being awaited.

Chief Kanran was celebrated for his commanding on-screen presence and decades-long contribution to Nigerian cinema, particularly in the Yoruba film industry. He became a household name for his powerful portrayals of wealthy and influential figures in Yoruba movies, as well as his remarkable performances on stage and television.

Despite his celebrated career, Akinremi endured personal and financial setbacks in later years. A devastating 2017 fire consumed his home and valuable film equipment, compounding the grief of losing his wife to cancer and straining family relationships.

In a 2015 radio interview marking his 50th year in acting, he spoke candidly about his struggles: “Seven years ago, things became bad for me—not because of illness, but due to misfortune. My house got burnt, my wife and children left me, and I lost my studio and all my film equipment. I’ve been sleeping in a church for over a year. Feeding has been difficult, and I have no money to rent an apartment. All my four cars were gone—some sold, one burnt, and another knocked.”

Akinremi’s journey into acting began in childhood, performing stage dramas during festive seasons. He formally trained in the arts at the Centre for Cultural Studies (now the Department of Creative Arts) at the University of Lagos in 1974/75, later earning a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Mentored by the late Ayanfemi Phillips, husband of actress Iya Rainbow, he quickly transitioned from stage and television to feature films. He also appeared in English-language productions, including the defunct TV series Megafortune, where he played General Phillips across 13 episodes.

A devout member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Chief Kanran often insisted on using his own clothing in film productions, expressing a strong dislike for borrowed costumes.

His impact on Nollywood, especially in Yoruba cinema, spanned over five decades, during which he mentored young talents and left an indelible mark on the industry.