United state, Nigeria–United States-based lawyer and astronaut, Owolabi Salis, has revealed that late Nollywood actor Kehinde Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, was battling severe appendicitis shortly before his death.
Salis made the disclosure in a tribute on Tuesday, recalling his recent correspondence with the veteran thespian, who passed away last week just before his 70th birthday and the commemoration of his 55-year career on stage.
According to Salis, the actor reached out to him on July 27 requesting urgent financial assistance for surgery. “He sent two voice notes explaining he was in excruciating pain due to appendicitis and needed ₦700,000 for surgery. He specifically asked for ₦350,000 to complete the hospital bill,” Salis stated.
The lawyer confirmed that he promptly transferred the requested funds to Kanran and received appreciative voice messages from the actor on July 28 and August 1. However, just days later, he was informed of the actor’s death.
“Receiving the news was heartbreaking,” Salis said. “He had so much left to give to the industry he helped shape.”
Salis noted that he also made a financial contribution to the late actor’s family on August 18 to support his burial.
Paying tribute to Kanran’s legacy, Salis described him as a towering figure in the Nigerian theatre scene, likening his impact to legends such as Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, and Oyin Adejobi.
“Chief Kanran carved a niche for himself with his commanding portrayal of Alaafin Kanran of the Oyo Empire, a role that became synonymous with his stage identity,” Salis noted. “Whether playing royalty, a comic sugar daddy, or a villain, his performances were marked by exceptional depth and charisma.”
Salis also reflected on the personal hardships the actor endured, including the loss of his home, cars, and studio in a fire incident, as well as the deaths of his two wives — tragedies that once rendered him homeless.
“It’s tragic that such a cultural icon lived through such adversity with minimal institutional support,” he lamented. “His death should prompt a national reflection on how we care for artists who shape our cultural heritage.”
Salis called on the government, Nollywood stakeholders, and the private sector to honour Kanran’s legacy by instituting programs that support veteran actors and immortalise his contributions.
“Chief Kanran’s passing marks the end of an era. His absence leaves a void in Nigeria’s creative space a loss that should not go unrecognised,” he concluded.
By Enoch odesola/ August 19,2025
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