Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, have lost one of their twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi.
The sad news was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement issued by Adichie’s Communications Team and signed by her representative, Omawumi Ogbe.
The statement read, “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.”
It added, “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.”
The statement further said, “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.”
Nkanu Nnamdi was one of the twin boys born to the couple in 2024.
Adichie is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated writers, known globally for works such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and Purple Hibiscus. Her books have earned international awards and have been translated into several languages.
At the time of filing this report, the family has maintained silence in line with its request for privacy.
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