Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a full-scale investigation into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, one of the twin sons of award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who passed away on January 6, 2026, at a private health facility in Lagos.
The state government, in a statement signed by the governor’s health adviser, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to carry out a thorough, independent, and transparent inquiry.
The investigation will examine clinical protocols, patient safety standards, and professional conduct, with findings to be made public. “Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement said.
The Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has also pledged to investigate the case. Chairman Dr. Babajide Saheed emphasized the need for a fair process: “We cannot make pronouncements until we hear from both sides…We will find out where the problem is. Is it from the hospital side? Is it a systemic problem? Did they do what they’re supposed to have done?” Adichie had accused Euracare Hospital of “criminal negligence” in the death of her son, alleging improper administration of anesthesia and failure to monitor the child during a procedure.
Her representative, Omawumi Ogbe, said the family hopes the focus remains on “the gross medical negligence that led to this tragedy” as authorities carry out investigations and seek accountability.