United States-based lawyer and astronaut, Owolabi Salis, has revealed that the late Nollywood veteran, Kehinde Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, struggled with appendicitis before his demise.
In a statement on Tuesday, Salis recounted his last-minute efforts to support the actor, noting that Kanran had reached out to him in July seeking financial assistance for urgent surgery.
“On July 27, he sent two voice notes saying he was severely plagued by appendicitis, which subjected him to unbearable pain,” Salis said. “He needed N700,000 for the operation and requested N350,000 to settle the hospital bill.”
Salis explained that he promptly sent the funds, after which the actor expressed his gratitude through voice notes on July 28 and August 1. Sadly, just three days later, news of Kanran’s death reached him.
“It was a devastating moment for me,” Salis added.
The lawyer described Chief Kanran as “an iconic prodigy who bestrode the thespian world like a colossus,” likening his artistic impact to legends such as Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, and Oyin Adejobi.
He recalled Kanran’s most memorable performance as Alaafin Kanran of the Oyo Empire, a role that earned him his stage name and endeared him to audiences across Nigeria.
“Chief Kanran was unique in his craft, whether playing a king, a romantic sugar daddy, or a criminal role. His versatility and mastery set him apart,” Salis remarked.
Beyond his professional achievements, the actor faced significant personal tragedies. Salis noted that Kanran lost his cars, studio, and home to a fire, and also endured the deaths of his two wives, experiences that once left him homeless.
“It is unfortunate that he went through such hardship without meaningful intervention from the government or well-meaning Nigerians. This should serve as a wake-up call to support actors and creatives who contribute immensely to our culture,” he said.
Salis further urged Nollywood stakeholders, corporate organisations, and government institutions to immortalise Chief Kanran, describing his passing as “the end of an era” and “a tragedy too many.”
