According to a family source who spoke on condition of
anonymity, the renowned Yoruba actor died in a Lagos hospital on Friday after a
brief illness. As of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, no official statement had been
released regarding his death.

Chief Kanran was best known for his charismatic roles
portraying affluent characters in Yoruba-language films and for his appearances
on stage and in television productions spanning decades.

In recent years, the actor had faced personal and financial
challenges. In 2017, he lost his home and valuable film equipment in a
devastating fire, an incident that drastically changed the course of his life.
He revealed during a 2015 radio interview—marking his 50th year in the acting
profession—that he had been seeking financial assistance to secure
accommodation.

Speaking in Yoruba during the emotional interview, Akinremi
recounted how the fire, coupled with the loss of his wife to cancer, and
subsequent family abandonment, left him homeless and financially distressed.

“Seven years ago, things became bad for me—not because of
illness, but due to misfortune. My house got burnt, my wife and children left
me, and I lost my studio and all my film equipment. I’ve been sleeping in a
church for over a year. Feeding has been difficult, and I have no money to rent
an apartment. All my four cars were gone—some sold, one burnt, and another
knocked,” he had said.

Chief Kanran began his acting journey as a child, performing
in stage dramas during Easter and Christmas seasons. He pursued formal training
in the arts at the Centre for Cultural Studies (now Department of Creative
Arts), University of Lagos in 1974/75, and later earned a diploma in directing,
acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

His career took off after he was mentored by the late
Ayanfemi Phillips, husband of veteran actress Iya Rainbow. Akinremi went on to
host a television programme on MTV in Lagos before transitioning fully into
film production.

A cross-over actor, Chief Kanran also featured in
English-language productions, including the now-defunct TV soap Megafortune,
where he portrayed General Phillips in 13 episodes.

A devout member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, he
often wore his personal outfits for film roles, citing a dislike for borrowed
costumes.

Chief Kanran’s legacy in the Nigerian film industry spans
more than five decades, during which he mentored many and contributed immensely
to Yoruba cinema.