Yemi Remi, elder brother to the late veteran actor Chief Kanran (Segun Remi), has clarified lingering controversies. He spoke about his brother’s life and passing. In an interview with Agbaletu TV, Remi addressed widespread rumours. He offered clarity on Chief Kanran’s final moments and unique lifestyle.
Dispelling Death Rumours
Yemi Remi clarified Chief Kanran’s cause of death. He stated the actor did not die from injuries in a house fire. The beloved Nollywood icon passed away in August. He was reportedly in good health before his sudden demise.
According to his 70-year-old brother, Chief Kanran, aged 62, slumped in his bathroom. This tragic incident led to his demise. “He was 62,” Yemi Remi stated, “and he did not die from any fire incident. He reportedly collapsed in the bathroom.”
Unveiling a ‘Make-Believe Life’
Yemi Remi described Chief Kanran as a “lovable person.” However, he pointed out a significant flaw: his unwillingness to be truthful about personal struggles. This often fueled public misconceptions and unverified stories.
Many widespread, unverified stories linked to the actor, Yemi Remi revealed, often originated from Kanran himself. “I want to beg people on his behalf,” he pleaded. He recalled, “There was a time someone called me to say that his wife had died. I told the person that it was a lie. His wife did not die.”
Yemi Remi further clarified his brother’s marital life. Chief Kanran had four wives and four children. “Three of the wives died,” he added.
The elder brother recounted instances where Kanran fabricated accounts of misfortune. These included claims that his car and home had been burnt. Such stories were often far from the truth.
“There was a time he claimed his car had been burnt. That was a lie,” Yemi Remi disclosed. He recounted an incident: “We were returning from Ibadan. He was gifted money to buy a car, but its engine broke down. Still, he told people it got burnt.”
Similarly, the claim about his house burning down was also inaccurate. “His house also did not get burnt,” Yemi Remi explained. “It was another apartment close to his house. He had to jump the fence to escape.”
Chief Kanran often blended fiction with reality. Yemi Remi suggested this might stem from the ‘Chief’ roles he frequently played on screen. “I told him to learn to be versatile,” he recalled. “He didn’t need to be a typecast. He lived a make-believe life. I will never agree to that.”
Yemi Remi: A Legacy in Arts
Beyond being Chief Kanran’s elder brother, Yemi Remi boasts an illustrious career in film and theatre. He began his artistic journey under the tutelage of the legendary Hubert Ogunde. Later, he studied at the Centre for Cultural Studies.
His dedication to the arts earned him scholarships for training in Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. This international exposure further honed his craft and vision.
Yemi Remi made significant contributions to the Nigerian television industry. He served as the pioneer director of the hit TV drama Tinsel. He also directed the beloved comic series Face 2 Face. His work left an indelible mark on millions of viewers.
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