Abuja/Lagos, January 9, 2026 – President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have joined Nigerians and the global literary community in mourning the tragic passing of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
The family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe of GLG Communications on their behalf. "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 on Wednesday, the 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old," the statement read.
It continued: "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. 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 twin boys born to Adichie and Esege in April 2024 via surrogate, adding to their family which includes a daughter born in 2016. The renowned novelist, known for works like Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and We Should All Be Feminists, had kept the twins' birth private until early 2025, citing a desire to protect her family's seclusion.
President Tinubu, in a personal condolence message released by the State House on Thursday, expressed profound empathy. "With a deep sense of grief, I condole with Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, and the entire family on the passing of their son, Nkanu Nnamdi," he stated. Drawing from personal experience, Tinubu added: "As a parent myself who has suffered the loss of a loved one, no grief is as devastating as losing a child." He further noted: "I empathise with the family at this difficult time, and I mourn this sad loss with them. My prayers are with the family."
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar echoed similar sentiments in a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe. "My heart goes out to Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, on the loss of their son. There can be no loss like the loss of a child," Atiku wrote. "My thoughts and prayers are with the Esege and Adichie families and all of their friends. May God grant them strength, peace, and solace as they mourn this painful loss."
Other prominent figures, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, also offered condolences. Obi revealed he had been aware of the child's illness since January 2, describing himself as "personally devastated" and expressing solidarity with Adichie, whom he referred to as his "beloved sister."
The news has elicited widespread sorrow across Nigeria and internationally, with tributes pouring in on social media and from literary circles. Adichie, a MacArthur Fellow and multiple award-winning author whose works have been translated into over 30 languages, is celebrated for her insightful explorations of identity, feminism, and Nigerian history.
The family's request for privacy has been widely respected, with media outlets emphasizing the need for seclusion during this period of grief. No details about the specific nature of the brief illness have been disclosed.
This tragedy comes as a profound shock to admirers of Adichie, who has often spoken eloquently about loss in her writing, including in her 2021 memoir Notes on Grief following her father's death. The literary community has rallied in support, highlighting her contributions while honoring the family's plea for space.
As condolences continue to flow from leaders, colleagues, and fans worldwide, the focus remains on supporting Adichie and her family through prayer and respect for their privacy in this time of unimaginable pain.
