A tragic medical incident involving acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s family has sparked serious allegations against a Lagos healthcare facility and drawn attention to Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
The 21-month-old son of the renowned feminist writer, Nkanu Nnamdi, passed away at Euracare Hospital in Lagos last Wednesday following a brief illness. The family has publicly accused the medical institution of multiple critical failures that allegedly contributed to the toddler’s death.
According to Dr. Anthea Nwandu, Adichie’s sister-in-law who spoke with Nigerian broadcaster Arise TV, hospital staff administered excessive sedation that triggered a fatal heart attack. The physician further alleged that medical personnel left the child unattended, denied him essential oxygen support, and utilized non-standard transportation methods that exacerbated his condition. These allegations were corroborated by a private message from Adichie that was subsequently leaked online, though her representatives confirmed the communication was intended solely for close family and friends.
Euracare Hospital issued an official statement acknowledging the family’s “profound and unimaginable loss” while simultaneously denying any improper care. The institution maintained that all treatment provided adhered to established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards. Hospital administrators revealed that Nkanu arrived at their facility in critical condition after receiving prior treatment at two pediatric centers, and despite immediate intervention and collaboration with external medical teams, the child died within 24 hours of admission.
The Lagos State government has initiated an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death. Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on health matters, confirmed the health watchdog would conduct a “thorough, independent and transparent” review, warning that any confirmed negligence or professional misconduct would face full legal consequences.
This case has highlighted broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s healthcare system, which has recently suffered from severe doctor shortages resulting in extended working hours and medical professionals juggling positions across multiple institutions. The tragedy has drawn national attention, with Nigeria’s president among those expressing condolences to the grieving family.
Adichie, the 48-year-old award-winning author of works including ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ and ‘Americanah,’ had welcomed her twin boys via surrogate in 2024. Her influential 2012 TED Talk and essay ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ was famously sampled by Beyoncé in her 2013 song ‘Flawless.’