Shock and grief have rippled through Nigeria’s literary and public space following the tragic death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an incident that has now drawn the direct attention of the Lagos State Government. With allegations of medical negligence hanging heavily in the air, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death.
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin sons, reportedly died on January 6, 2026, at a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness. The heartbreaking loss remained private until January 10, when the award-winning writer broke her silence, accusing the medical facility involved of what she described as criminal negligence that led to her child’s death.
The allegations sparked widespread concern and public outrage, prompting an official response from the Lagos State Government. In a statement released on Saturday, the state confirmed that it had received a detailed account from Adichie outlining the events that preceded the death of her son.
The statement, signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the incident as “deeply distressing” and conveyed the government’s condolences to Adichie and her family. It emphasized that the death of a child is a profound tragedy that demands careful, transparent scrutiny.
According to the statement, Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a comprehensive, independent investigation into the matter. The inquiry is expected to examine both the immediate and underlying causes of the child’s death, as well as determine whether there were any breaches of medical standards or professional conduct.
The Lagos State Government assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, underscoring its commitment to patient safety and accountability within the state’s healthcare system.
As the probe begins, many Nigerians are watching closely, not only because of Adichie’s global stature, but also due to the broader questions the case raises about medical care, oversight, and accountability in private health facilities across the country.
