Chimamanda Adichie Reflects on Son's Death and Nigeria

Chimamanda Adichie shared her painful experience regarding the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, which has significantly impacted her emotional connection to Nigeria. In an interview with The New York Times, she expressed that she no longer wishes to return to the country, which she once described as integral to her identity and writing.

Adichie stated that Nigeria provided her with everything necessary to become a writer. Nkanu, one of her twin boys, died in December 2025 after an emergency at Euracare in Nigeria, where he was reportedly given too much propofol during an MRI examination.

The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation at a coroner’s inquest. Additionally, Adichie was recently conferred with the title "Odeluwa," meaning "she who writes for the world," by HRH Igwe Leonard Nwankwo Ezeh of Abba, making her the first woman to receive this honor.