Lagos Govt Orders Probe Into Chimamanda’s Son’s Death

The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of celebrated author Chimamanda Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, passed away recently after a brief illness.
Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, in a statement on Sunday described the death as a “profound tragedy” and said the governor has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to carry out a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the case.
Ogunyemi confirmed that HEFAMAA has already visited the hospital and begun reviewing all reports and allegations related to the incident.
“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.
“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,” she said.
She added that HEFAMAA would work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other regulatory bodies to ensure the probe is credible and professional.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” the statement added.
Ogunyemi assured residents that any individual or institution found guilty of negligence, misconduct, or regulatory breaches would face legal consequences.
Chimamanda Adichie, in a statement on Saturday, accused medical staff of “criminal negligence,” saying the anaesthesiologist was “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
She said her son’s condition began as a mild cold but quickly worsened into a severe infection.