Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has lost her 21-month old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, on Wednesday.
The writer’s son died at a hospital in Lagos following a short illness; an unfortunate incident that has left the family “devastated”.
According to BBC: “The family of Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a hospital of negligence over the death of her 21-month-old son.
“The family allege there was a litany of failures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos that led to the toddler’s death, including being denied oxygen and being given too much sedation, causing a heart attack.”
The “distressing report” by Chimamanda has forced the Lagos State Government to order investigation into the “alleged medical negligence”.
LASG expressed its “sincere” condolences to the writer and her family following the “painful and irreparable loss”, and assured the family of its commitment to justice.
Via a Press Statement on Saturday 10 January, 2026, signed by Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately begin a “thorough, independent, and transparent investigation” to ascertain the circumstances that led to the incident.
The Press Statement titled ‘Lagos State Government expresses condolences, orders investigation into alleged medical negligence’ reads: “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the deeply distressing report by renowned Nigerian author, Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, concerning the tragic death of her son, Nkanu, following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility in Lagos on January 6.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, the Lagos State Government commiserates sincerely with Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss.
“The death of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time. Lagos State Government extends its heartfelt condolences and assures the family of its concern and commitment to justice.
“The Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State.
“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.
“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The Agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the Government urges the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, as due process is being followed to ensure fairness, justice, and credibility of outcomes.
“Once again, we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family.”
Photo: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | BBC
