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 issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the family confirmed that the 21-month-old child passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.
The statement described the loss as devastating and appealed to the public to respect the family’s privacy during this painful period.
“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.
The family said they are grieving in private and asked for grace and prayers, adding that no further statements will be made as they navigate what was described as a time of immense loss.