Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have suffered the loss of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.
In a statement released on Thursday by a family representative, Omawumi Ogbe, the 21-month-old child reportedly passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.
The statement described the family as devastated by the loss and appealed to the public and media to respect their privacy as they mourn.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness, the statement read.
It added that the family has requested seclusion during the period of mourning and would not be issuing further statements.
Chimamanda Adichie is internationally celebrated for her literary works, including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary writers.
