United States-based lawyer and astronaut, Owolabi Salis, has shared details of his last-minute intervention to save the life of late Nollywood legend, Kehinde Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran.
The veteran actor, who had planned to mark his 70th birthday and 55 years on stage, passed away last week, leaving the Nigerian film industry in mourning.
Chief Kanran’s Final Days
According to a statement on Tuesday, Salis revealed that Chief Kanran reached out to him in July 2024, seeking urgent financial assistance for a life-saving surgery.
“On July 27, he sent two voice notes saying he was severely plagued by appendicitis, which had subjected him to unbearable pain. The actor needed ₦700,000 for an operation and requested ₦350,000 to complete the hospital bill,” Salis recounted.
He confirmed that he immediately transferred the requested funds to the thespian, who expressed gratitude in subsequent voice notes on July 28 and August 1.
“However, barely three days later, I received the shocking news of his death. It was a devastating moment for me,” Salis said.
Tribute and Burial Support
Salis disclosed that he also sent financial support to Chief Kanran’s family on August 18 to assist with burial expenses.
Paying tribute, he described the late actor as “an iconic prodigy who bestrode the thespian world like a colossus.”
He likened Chief Kanran’s legacy to that of theatre pioneers Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, and Oyin Adejobi.
He recalled the actor’s most memorable performance as Alaafin Kanran of the Oyo Empire, a role that earned him his stage name and cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest actors.
“Chief Kanran was unique in his craft, whether playing a king, a romantic sugar daddy, or even a criminal role. His versatility and mastery set him apart,” Salis noted.
Personal Tragedies and Struggles
Despite his fame, Chief Kanran endured several personal tragedies. He reportedly lost his cars, studio, and house to a fire. He also suffered the deaths of two wives, which left him homeless at one point.
“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,” Salis said.
Call for Immortalisation
Salis urged Nollywood stakeholders, corporate bodies, and government institutions to immortalise Chief Kanran, describing his passing as “the end of an era” and “a tragedy too many.”
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