Chief Olusegun Akinremi (Chief Kanran): A Legend Who Lived His Role

A Childhood of Peeping Screens

Growing up as a young boy, I didn’t have the luxury of visiting the cinema. My closest access to Nigerian home theater was through the black-and-white TV sets of our more “blessed” neighbors. I would stand by their windows, peeping eagerly just to catch a glimpse of the magic happening on screen. That was how I first encountered the man who would capture my imagination for decades, Chief Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran.

Falling in Love with a Legend

From that moment, I fell in love with Chief Kanran not in romance, but in admiration of his craft. He was magnetic, regal, and convincing. The way he interpreted his characters was beyond ordinary acting; he embodied them so fully that it seemed as though he was born, even anointed, to live those roles.

The Man Chief Olusegun Akinremi

Chief Kehinde Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, was a legendary figure in Nollywood, with a career in acting and film directing that spanned more than 50 years. Born in 1953 in Keesi, Ogun State, his journey into the world of performance began at a young age, inspired by the local stage plays put on during festive seasons like Easter and Christmas.

Driven by a deep passion for the arts, he pursued formal training at the Centre for Cultural Studies at the University of Lagos (now the Department of Creative Arts), and later obtained a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

From his earliest performances, Chief Kanran stood out for his natural flair and commitment to excellence, seamlessly merging formal education with his innate creative spirit. This combination would go on to cement his place as a revered name in Nigerian film and theatre.

Having recently marked his 70th birthday, Chief Kanran celebrated not just a personal milestone but also a remarkable legacy, over five decades dedicated to shaping and elevating the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Career Journey of Segun Remi (Chief Kanran)

Chief Segun Remi, widely known as Chief Kanran, began his professional acting career in 1975, though his love for performance was evident from early childhood. He initially gained recognition through community stage plays, where his natural talent shone. His passion for the arts led him to pursue formal training, refining his skills and setting the stage for a long and impactful career.

Kanran’s early foray into media included hosting a television program on MTV Lagos, a role that marked his transition into mainstream entertainment. His move into filmmaking soon followed, deepening his influence in Nigeria’s evolving creative landscape.

Coming from a family with artistic roots, Kanran shared the spotlight with his elder brother, Yemi Akiremi, an accomplished actor, dancer, and drummer.

One of Kanran’s most acclaimed roles was Kurunmi, in Professor Ola Rotimi’s iconic stage play of the same name. He later transitioned successfully to television, appearing in the beloved drama series "Mirror in the Sun", which marked his shift from stage to screen. His compelling performance as a businessman in the soap opera "Images" further cemented his reputation as a versatile actor.

A standout moment in his career was his performance in "Langbodo", Nigeria’s official drama entry to Festac '77, staged at the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, an event that underscored his contribution to Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Chief Kanran: The Man and the Name

Unlike many actors who shed their stage names once the cameras go off, Chief Kanran lived and died with the name. The character became his identity, and the identity became his legacy. To us fans, there was no separation between Remilekun Akinremi the man and Chief Kanran the character they were one.

Imagining His Wealth Through the Screen

As a child watching him, I used to imagine just how wealthy he must have been in real life. His voice commanded respect, his body carried the weight of nobility, and his charisma reflected affluence. When he played the role of a rich man, it was impossible to believe it was fiction, he owned the role so convincingly that you could almost smell the riches through the screen.

From Stage to Home Theater

Chief Kanran was not only a star of the screen but also a product of the stage. He metamorphosed from stage plays into home theater productions, performing alongside theater legends who shaped Nigeria’s entertainment heritage. This transition placed him at the very heart of the shift from traveling theater troupes to the Yoruba video-film era that later gave birth to Nollywood.

The Birth of “Kanran”

The name Kanran itself became history. In the 1980s, he enacted the role of Alaafin Kanran, a fearsome Oyo King in a stage play,he interpreted the role with such ferocity and excellence that the name Kanran glued to him permanently. It was more than a role it became his cultural identity.

When Fiction Invited Reality

But embodying wealth on screen came with its own risks. As a stereotype actor known for playing the role of a rich man, Chief Kanran became the target of armed robbers who believed he was as wealthy in real life as he was in movies. Several times, men of the underworld visited him, only to realize that the wealth they imagined existed only in the roles he so perfectly interpreted. This made him jumping from one hotel to the other, as he could no longer sleep at home.

A Voice, A Carriage, A Presence

Chief Kanran was blessed beyond acting skills. His voice spoke wealth and respect, a deep baritone that could command silence in a crowd. His physical stature, his poise, and his dressing all aligned with the roles he played. He did not just act affluence, he carried it naturally.

A Man of God Beyond the Stage

Away from the bright lights, Chief Kanran was also a minister of the gospel, a primate in the white garment church. His spiritual calling balanced the grandeur of his acting career, making him not just a cultural figure but also a man of faith who touched lives beyond the entertainment industry.

Dreams of a Film City

In July 2025, in what would become one of his last interviews, he spoke passionately about marking 55 years on stage this October. His vision was to establish a film city in Ado-Awaye, a project he believed would shape the next generation of filmmakers. Though he did not live to see that dream materialize, it remains a symbol of his passion for the growth of Nigerian theater and cinema.

His Filmography and Legacy

Chief Kanran’s career spanned both stage and screen. His memorable works include Vigilante, Ose-sango, Eri Okan, Itunnu, Eewo, Idunnu, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ajaka Oko, Great Bird of Eternity, Sattered Bridge, Oba Oluaiye, Bibi Ire, Ilu le, 50 Million. On stage, he brought historic roles like Kurunmi and Langbodo to life, showcasing his versatility and power as an actor.

Life Challenges

In 2017, Chief Kanran faced a major personal and professional setback when a devastating fire engulfed his home. The incident resulted in the destruction of four vehicles, essential film equipment, and numerous personal belongings. The impact was profound, emotionally, financially, and creatively.

Of the vehicles affected, one was completely destroyed, another was irreparably damaged, and some had to be sold off in the aftermath. The loss not only disrupted his livelihood but also marked a difficult period of recovery that spanned several years. Despite the hardship, Kanran remained resilient, drawing strength from his faith and unwavering dedication to the arts.

A Legend Who Became Immortal

Chief Remilekun Akinremi lived as Chief Kanran, died as Chief Kanran, and will forever be remembered as Chief Kanran. He was more than an actor; he was a cultural icon whose voice, presence, and artistry defined a generation of Nigerian cinema. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire the storytellers of today and tomorrow.