By peterside Rejoice
Veteran Nigerian actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has died at the age of 72.
His passing was announced on Friday by film producer Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. Actor Yemi Solade also confirmed the news in a telephone conversation with Pentouch.
Chief Kanran, who was also a director and priest, began his acting career in the 1970s with stage performances, including Ola Rotimi’s Kurunmi. He later featured in Langbodo, Nigeria’s official entry for the historic FESTAC ’77 arts and culture festival.
He rose to national fame in 1988 for his role as Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama series a performance that earned him the stage name by which he became a household figure.
Over the decades, Kanran appeared 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. His commanding screen presence and frequent portrayal of wealthy or authoritative figures became his signature.
Beyond acting, Remi directed several productions and spoke openly about the struggles of veteran actors in Nigeria’s film industry. He once revealed that fires destroyed his office and production equipment on three separate occasions, a series of misfortunes that stalled his filmmaking career.
In his later years, Chief Kanran became an outspoken advocate for better welfare and recognition of ageing Nollywood stars, often lamenting the neglect many of them faced.
Tributes from colleagues and fans have begun pouring in, celebrating his decades-long contribution to Nigerian theatre, television, and cinema.
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