Veteran Nollywood Actor Olusegun “Chief Kanran” Akinremi Dies Just Weeks Before 70th Birthday
Olusegun Akinremi, affectionately known across screens and stages as “Chief Kanran,” has passed away at the age of 69, merely two weeks shy of what would have been his 70th birthday. The iconic actor died on August 15 after a prolific career spanning more than five decades.
His moniker, “Chief Kanran,” derived from his memorable portrayal of Aláàfin Kanran in a popular 1988 Yoruba television drama. This role cemented his reputation and became his enduring identity.
Often cast as royalty, affluent figures, or commanding personalities, Akinremi delivered memorable performances in acclaimed Yoruba films such as Ewe Orun, Aiye, Efunsetan Aniwura, Agbarin, and Bata Wahala. His stage presence was equally notable, including starring turns in Langbodo, Nigeria’s representative at FESTAC ’77, and the lead in Ola Rotimi’s play Kurunmi.
Akinremi’s talents extended into English-language drama, with roles in the TV series Mirror in the Sun and the soap opera Megafortune, where he played General Philips, showcasing his remarkable range.
Born in Keesi, Ogun State, he pursued formal training in the arts at the University of Lagos’s Centre for Cultural Studies. He later earned a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from the former University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife).
Reflecting on his career during a 2020 interview, on his 65th birthday, Akinremi revealed that he had shifted focus from filmmaking to soap opera production, citing industry politics and his commitment to professionalism.
He also spoke candidly about personal hardships: a devastating fire that destroyed his equipment three years prior, financial struggles that led to forfeiting his cars, and repeated home break-ins that forced him into church lodging. These events severely impacted his health, even leading to a life-threatening emergency.
Despite these challenges, his resilience shone through when he featured in the 2024 film Seven Doors, directed by Femi Adebayo. Akinremi’s conviction that “a good actor doesn’t retire” stood as a testament to his unwavering passion.
Femi Adebayo paid a poignant tribute, saying: “No one expected that to be his final performance… he may have walked through the last door, but his voice and artistry will never be silenced.”
Olusegun Akinremi’s legacy endures, not just through his roles, but also in his belief that acting was fueled by passion rather than profit, a message he encouraged for the new generation of Nollywood actors.