Veteran Nollywood actor Olusegun Akinremi, widely known as Chief Kanran, has died just days before his 70th birthday. The news was confirmed on Friday by filmmaker and awards organizer Seun Oloketuyi, who announced it in a heartfelt tribute.
Bolaji Amusan, president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), described Chief Kanran as “an active and complete entertainer” whose absence will be deeply felt in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Chief Kanran enjoyed a long and celebrated career in both Yoruba cinema and stage drama, earning admiration for his portrayal of wealthy, dignified characters and his captivating storytelling. His most memorable performances included the role of Kurunmi in Ola Rotimi’s classic play and Aláàfin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama in 1988.
While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues across the country, celebrating the life and legacy of a cultural icon whose work influenced generations of Nigerian actors and film lovers.
