Adichie Won't Return to Nigeria After Son's Death

Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has stated that she no longer wants to return to Nigeria after the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu. Adichie revealed in an interview that this tragedy has significantly changed her feelings towards her home country.

Nkanu died in December 2025 due to a medical emergency at Euracare in Nigeria. Initially, he developed a fever and was treated with antibiotics by his father, Ivara Esege.

When his condition worsened, he was taken to the hospital, where he was sedated with propofol during an MRI and subsequently suffered cardiac arrest, dying the next day. Adichie recalled a doctor informing her that Nkanu had been given too much propofol.

She has publicly alleged medical negligence regarding her son's treatment, and a coroner's inquest is ongoing, marked by delays and disputes between the family and the hospital. Euracare has accused Adichie and Esege of destroying evidence by cremating their son's remains.

Adichie expressed that her children might be the only reason she would reconsider returning to Nigeria.