The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and director, Segun Remi, widely known as Chief Kanran.
The celebrated thespian reportedly passed away on Friday morning, August 15, 2025. His death was announced by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi via Instagram. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Chief Kanran’s acting journey began in childhood, performing in stage dramas during Easter and Christmas celebrations. He studied at the Centre for Cultural Studies (now the Department of Creative Arts) at the University of Lagos before proceeding to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained a diploma in directing, acting, and film production.
Over the decades, he made his mark both on stage and screen. Starting his professional acting career in 1975, Kanran played the lead role in Kurunmi, written by Prof. Ola Rotimi, and featured in the popular TV series Mirror in the Sun. His career breakthrough came when he performed in Langbodo, Nigeria’s drama entry to Festac ’77 at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos. He also starred as Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama that aired on October 1, 1988.
Known for often portraying wealthy characters, Chief Kanran hosted a TV programme on MTV Lagos before fully venturing into filmmaking.
His passing adds to a series of recent losses in the Yoruba Nollywood industry. Just a day earlier, actress Jayeola Monje (Jaiye Kuti) mourned actor and filmmaker Seun Confirm, who died from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), an age-related prostate condition. Earlier this month, actor Odunayo Olufemi (Oloto) died suddenly after feeling unwell during a church service, while in June, the industry lost producer Kayode Peters and actress Berry White.
Tributes have begun pouring in for Chief Kanran, with many colleagues describing him as a mentor, a consummate professional, and a pillar of the Yoruba film industry.
