Renowned novelist, Chimamanda Adichie loses 21-month-old child to illness
Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, are mourning the loss of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.
A statement released on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the family confirmed that the 21-month-old passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.
“We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old,” the statement said.
The family described their grief as profound and requested privacy during this painful time.
“We ask for your grace and prayers as they mourn in private. No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this period of immense grief,” it added.
