Veteran Nollywood Star Chief Kanran Dies at 69, Leaving Legacy in Yoruba Cinema

The Nigerian film industry is mourning the loss of Olusegun Akinremi, famously known as Chief Kanran, who passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 69. Conflicting reports suggest he died after a brief illness, though no official medical confirmation has been released.

His death marks the end of an era for Yoruba cinema, where his presence on stage and screen helped shape the cultural identity of Nollywood’s indigenous storytelling.

Chief Kanran’s career stretched over decades, beginning with Yoruba stage productions before his transition to television through Nigerian Television Authority drama series. He became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s with his commanding performances in classics like Efunsetan Aniwura and Aiye.

His roles often embodied figures of authority, a casting choice that resonated with audiences and became a defining feature of his acting legacy. According to UNESCO, Nigeria’s film industry had grown into a $6.4 billion powerhouse by 2021, a rise that actors like Chief Kanran helped lay the foundation for through their artistry and dedication.

In an intriguing coincidence, his screen name echoes that of Kanran, an Alaafin of the historic Oyo Empire who was famously overthrown for tyranny.

While there is no documented familial connection, the parallel between the ruler’s authoritative history and Chief Kanran’s commanding on-screen portrayals adds a layer of cultural poetry to his story.

His passing is not just the loss of a man but the departure of a voice that narrated Yoruba history, tradition, and morality through performance.

As the curtain falls on his life, the legacy of Olusegun Akinremi remains in the countless films, plays, and memories he leaves behind—a reminder that while actors may exit the stage, their stories remain eternal.