Nigerian-born author and public speaker, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.
The 21-month-old boy was said to have passed away on January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.
In a statement released on Thursday by her representative Omawumi Ogbe, the author’s family expressed sadness over the boy’s death and requested privacy “during this difficult time”.
“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 reads.
“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.”
