Tears as Chimamanda Adichie loses son after brief 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.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the family, it was disclosed that the 21-month-old child passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The statement said the family is devastated by the loss, and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

The statement reads, “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 family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult 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.”