Segun Remi, popularly known in the movie industry as Chief Kanran, has died. The veteran Nollywood actor passed away on Friday morning, August 15, 2025. His death was confirmed by filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi in a post on Instagram. The cause of death has not yet been made public.
Chief Kanran’s passion for acting began in his childhood, when he participated 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, and later earned a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University. After hosting a television programme on MTV Lagos, he fully embraced a career in filmmaking.
Known for often portraying wealthy characters, he began acting professionally in 1975. His early roles included playing Kurunmi in the play written by Prof. Ola Rotimi, and appearing in episodes of Mirror in the Sun. He also featured in the soap opera Images. His major stage breakthrough came with Langbodo, Nigeria’s official drama presentation at Festac ’77, staged at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos. On television, he was widely recognised for portraying Alaafin Kanran in a drama broadcast on Lagos Television on October 1, 1988.
His death follows a wave of recent losses in Nollywood. Just a day earlier, actress Jayeola Monje (Jaiye Kuti) announced the passing of fellow actor and filmmaker Seun Confirm, who died from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an age-related prostate condition.
Earlier this month, actor Odunayo Olufemi (popularly known as Oloto) also died. According to actor Kunle Afod, Oloto became unwell during a church service, visited a nearby hospital, and collapsed while speaking to the receptionist. Actress Regina Chukwu described him as a true mentor, thanking him for his guidance.
On the same day Oloto’s death was reported, Yoruba Nollywood lost another rising talent, actress Omotola Odunsi.
In June, the industry also mourned Kayode Peters, a Nigerian stage and film producer who died in Canada, with his death confirmed by colleague Steve Onu (Yaw).
