By Ghazali Ibrahim
Award‑winning Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, are mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.
The tragic news was shared in a family statement conveyed by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the couple, confirming that the baby, who was 21 months old, died after a short period of being unwell. The family expressed deep sorrow over the loss and asked for privacy and prayers during this difficult time.
Adichie, one of Africa’s most celebrated authors known for internationally acclaimed works such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and We Should All Be Feminists, has kept much of her personal life private. The loss of her young son has prompted an outpouring of condolences from literary circles, fans, and well‑wishers across Nigeria and around the world.
The family’s request for privacy underscores the profound grief of losing a child, and many have taken to social media to offer messages of support and sympathy as they navigate this painful period.
