Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed a full-scale investigation into the death of one of the twin sons of award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who died at a private health facility in Lagos.
The 21-month-old, Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, passed away on January 6, 2026, following a brief illness. Reacting to the tragedy, the Lagos State government expressed deep condolences to the author and her family, describing the loss as “profound and irreparable”.
A statement signed by the governor’s health adviser, Kemi Ogunyemi, stressed that the state places the highest value on human life and has zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct. The governor directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
HEFAMAA has since visited the facility involved and will review all relevant reports, clinical protocols, and professional conduct standards. The agency will work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other regulatory bodies to ensure a comprehensive and credible review. The results of the investigation will be made public, and any individual or institution found culpable will face appropriate legal and regulatory action.
Speaking on the matter, Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Babajide Saheed, said the association would investigate the case thoroughly. He urged the public to avoid speculation and emphasized the need to hear from both the hospital and the bereaved family before drawing conclusions.
“We cannot make pronouncements until both sides have been heard. The goal is to ensure fairness and justice”, Saheed said.
The incident reportedly involved procedures at Euracare Hospital. According to Adichie, her son was sedated on the morning of January 6 for an MRI and central line insertion, after which he became unresponsive following an overdose of propofol by the anaesthesiologist. The child was resuscitated but later suffered seizures, cardiac arrest, and died.
Adichie alleged that the anaesthesiologist acted negligently and that there were previous incidents involving the same doctor overdosing children at the facility. She has called for accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Adichie’s representative, Omawumi Ogbe, confirmed that the author shared the account privately with friends and family, noting that the leak was unintended. Ogbe emphasized that the family’s priority is addressing the alleged “gross medical negligence” that led to the death.
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