U.S.-Based Lawyer Shares Heartbreaking Account Save Late Nollywood Icon Chief Kanran

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Nigerian-born lawyer based in the U.S., Chief Owolabi Salis, has recounted his last-minute attempts to assist veteran Nollywood actor Kehinde Olusegun Akinremi, famously known as Chief Kanran, following the actor’s recent passing.

Salis revealed on Tuesday that he had been in contact with the actor shortly before his death. He explained that on July 11, 2025, Chief Kanran sent him a voice note expressing joy over his upcoming 70th birthday and a 55-year milestone on stage. Tragedy struck weeks later when Kanran disclosed in another message on July 27 that he was suffering from severe appendicitis and urgently required ₦700,000 for surgery, with ₦350,000 still outstanding.

“On the same July 27, I immediately sent him ₦350,000 to cover the balance,” Salis said. “On July 28, he sent a voice note of appreciation, thanking me for the timely help. On August 1, he sent another message of gratitude.”

Despite the timely aid, the iconic actor passed away just three days later, leaving Salis “completely devastated.” In his grief, Salis quickly contributed financial support for Kanran’s burial on August 18.

Describing the loss, Salis called it “shocking, lamentable and devastating,” lamenting that the actor died mere weeks before his landmark 70th birthday. He hailed Kanran as “an iconic prodigy who bestrode the Nigerian stage like a colossus,” placing him among legendary figures such as Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, and Oyin Adejobi.

Salis also remembered some of Kanran’s notable roles, including his portrayal of Alaafin Kanran, which earned him his stage name. He praised the actor’s versatility, noting that he could seamlessly transition from playing royalty to a gang leader “with remarkable flair and panache.”

The lawyer also highlighted the actor’s hardships in his later years, recalling how Kanran lost his cars, studio, and home in a fire, later becoming homeless and sleeping in a church after the deaths of his two wives.

“It is tragic that such a man, who gave so much to Nigerian theatre, faced so much hardship in his lifetime without sufficient support,” Salis said, urging Nollywood, government, and corporate institutions to honor the late legend. He further called on the Nigerian film industry to unite in providing stronger support systems to prevent other actors from suffering similar neglect.

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