Veteran Nollywood actor Chief Kanran.

Veteran Nollywood actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 70. The news was confirmed on Friday by movie executive and producer Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post, stating that the actor died earlier in the day.

Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, admired for his distinctive style, refined elegance, love for luxury, sharp wit, and commanding stage presence. His performances lit up both stage plays and movies for decades, earning him a revered place in Nigerian entertainment history.

In a 2020 interview with PUNCH, Chief Kanran spoke openly about stepping away from the movie industry, citing internal politics and professional disagreements. “Some people in the industry see people like me as a threat because I will not do anything that is not professional, and that has made some people upset with me,” he revealed at the time.

His career began on stage before transitioning to television and film, where he gained recognition in numerous Yoruba stage productions and became a familiar face in a popular NTA drama series. Over the years, he starred in notable films such as Ewe Orun, Aiye, Efunsetan Aniwura, Agbarin, and Bata Wahala, often portraying kings, chiefs, or respected village elders.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of his death has not been disclosed, and his family is yet to make a formal announcement regarding burial arrangements.