Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, are mourning the loss of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away at the age of 21 months.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the family, it was disclosed that the toddler died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.
The family described the loss as devastating and appealed for privacy as they grieve.
“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 passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old,” the statement read.
The family further requested understanding, grace, and prayers during this period of mourning, stressing that they wish to grieve in private.
“No further statements will be made, and we thank the public and the media for respecting their need for seclusion during this time of immense grief,” the statement added.
