Prime Business Africa
By Prosper Okoye
Tributes have poured in from fans, literary figures, and public officials following the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege’s 21‑month‑old son, Nkanu Nnamdi.
The child, one of a set of twins, died on Wednesday after a brief illness. The family confirmed the loss in a statement on Thursday, describing it as “devastating” and asking for privacy. “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, 7 January 2026, after a brief illness,” the statement said.
The family added that no further statements will be made as they grieve privately.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe announcement prompted widespread condolences on social media, crossing political and cultural divides. Chimamanda had previously expressed support for Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.
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President Bola Tinubu expressed his grief in a message, saying: “With a deep sense of grief, I condole with Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, and the entire family on the passing of their son, Nkanu Nnamdi. As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child. My prayers are with the family.”
Former President Atiku Abubakar also offered condolences, tweeting: “My heart goes out to Chimamanda Adichie, @ChimamandaReal, and her husband Dr Ivara Esege on the loss of their son. There can be no loss like the loss of a child. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and all of their friends. May God grant them strength, peace, and solace as they mourn this painful loss.”
Adichie, known internationally for novels including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, has largely kept her private life out of the spotlight, but the response to this tragedy has highlighted her influence and the respect she commands across Nigeria and abroad.
