Actor Femi Adebayo has expressed grief over the death of his senior colleague Segun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran.
The 46-year-old took to Instagram on Friday to share a carousel of photos, including a lit candle and pictures of the late actor.
“Still struggling to come to terms with the sudden passing of Chief Segun Kehinde AkinRemi 💔 @chiefkanran.
“This loss is particularly overwhelming, as he had only just concluded his last acting performance on one of my projects.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, be with his family, and give them the strength to carry through this loss. 🤲🏽🕊️ Rest well, sir,” he wrote.
Chief Kanran, a veteran of Yoruba theatre and film, died on Friday morning. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The actor rose to prominence after playing Alaafin Kanran in a 1988 Lagos Television drama, a role that gave him his stage name. He later featured in films such as Ose-Sango, Eewo, Idunnu, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ayanmo, Oba Oluaiye and Ilu Le.
He was also a notable stage performer, appearing in Ola Rotimi’s Kurunmi and the epic play Langbodo which represented Nigeria at FESTAC ’77.
Despite his long career, Kanran battled challenges, including fires that destroyed his office and production equipment on several occasions. In interviews, he lamented the neglect of veteran actors in the industry.
Film producer Seun Oloketuyi first broke the news of his death on Instagram.
Burial arrangements have not yet been announced.
