Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.
The sad development was confirmed in a statement issued by Omawumi Ogbe, which disclosed that the child passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.
The statement described the loss as devastating for the family and appealed to the public for understanding and restraint during the period of mourning.
“We’re deeply saddened to confirm the passing of one of Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie & Dr Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed on Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness,” the statement read.
It added that the family has requested privacy as they grieve, while also seeking prayers and goodwill from the public.
“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,” the statement concluded.
