Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, are mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi. The news has sent shockwaves through literary and social circles, with fans, friends, and fellow authors expressing their condolences and sharing messages of support for the grieving family during this profoundly difficult time.
A statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, speaking on behalf of the family, confirmed that the 21-month-old child passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following a brief illness. The statement emphasized the devastating nature of the loss and appealed to the public to respect the family’s privacy during this extremely painful period, acknowledging the deep emotional impact on Ms Adichie, Dr Esege, and their immediate relatives.
In the statement, the family said: “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 loss has left the family profoundly heartbroken.”
The statement further elaborated on the family’s need for privacy and support during their mourning period: “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. This is a period of immense grief, and the family kindly asks that no further inquiries or statements be pursued at this time, as they navigate their sorrow and honor the memory of their beloved child.”
Friends, colleagues, and fans of Chimamanda Adichie have taken to social media to express their condolences, with many highlighting the author’s contributions to literature, her advocacy for women’s rights, and her influence as a public intellectual. Messages of sympathy and support have poured in from across Nigeria and around the world, showing solidarity with the family as they cope with an irreplaceable loss.
The tragic event underscores the fragility of life and the universal experience of grief, even for public figures who inspire millions. While Ms Adichie and Dr Esege continue to grieve privately, the outpouring of compassion from the public highlights the respect and admiration that the family has earned over the years through both personal and professional endeavors.
As the family navigates this painful chapter, they have reiterated the request for privacy and prayers, emphasizing that no additional statements will be released as they focus on healing and remembering the life of their son, Nkanu Nnamdi, whose short life left an indelible mark on those who knew him.