Veteran actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, died just days after revealing his plans to celebrate 55 years on stage.
In an interview on July 24, the actor disclosed that the celebration was scheduled for October.
“I’m planning to celebrate it in October. Initially, it was meant to be in September but I have things to do for that period. We want to use it to establish some things. Then, we have 75 acres of land in Ago-Awaye, we want to use it to build a film city, not a film village, which needs a lot of money, sponsors and supporters,” he said in Yoruba during the interview.
His death was announced on Friday by film producer Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post.
The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Among actors who reacted to his death are, Yemi Solade, who expressed that he was yet to believe Chief Kanran had died.
Actor Femi Adebayo described his death as “overwhelming,” noting that Segun had only just concluded his last performance on one of his last 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 added.
Segun began his acting career in the 1970s, appearing in stage plays such as Kurunmi by Ola Rotimi and later featuring in Langbodo, Nigeria’s official entry for FESTAC’77.
He rose to prominence in 1988 for his role as Alaafin Kanran in a Lagos Television drama, which earned him the nickname Chief Kanran.
Over the years, he featured in numerous Yoruba films including Vigilante, Ose-Sango, Eri Okan, Itunnu, Eewo, Idunnu, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ajaka Oko, Ayanmo, Great Bird of Eternity, Shattered Bridge, Oba Oluaiye, Bibi Ire, Ilu le and I50 Million.
Known for playing wealthy or authoritative roles, Segun also directed films and often spoke about the struggles faced by veteran actors.
He revealed that fire incidents had destroyed his office and equipment on three occasions, stalling his movie production efforts.
In his later years, he championed better welfare for older Nollywood actors.
Burial arrangements have not yet been announced.
