Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, has profoundly altered her feelings towards Nigeria.
Adichie made the disclosure in an interview with The New York Times while discussing her grief and whether Nigeria still felt close to her heart.
Responding to the question, the author said, “My feelings toward Nigeria have changed,” before adding, “I do not want to go back to Nigeria.”
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died in December 2025 following a medical emergency at Euracare in Nigeria.
According to Adichie, the child initially developed a fever and was placed on antibiotics by her husband, Ivara Esege. However, when his condition failed to improve, he was taken to hospital for further medical attention.
She said Nkanu was sedated with propofol during an MRI before suffering cardiac arrest and dying the following day.
Recalling what happened after the procedure, Adichie said a doctor approached her and told her, “Well, look, they gave him too much Propofol.”
She added, “Those were his exact words, which I will never forget until the day I die.”
Adichie had previously raised allegations of medical negligence concerning the treatment her son received at the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently the subject of a coroner’s inquest, amid disagreements between the family and the hospital.
Despite her decision to stay away from Nigeria, Adichie said her children could potentially be the reason she returns to the country in the future. She noted that her daughter still regards Nigeria as her “happy place”.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of losing her son, the author described the experience as difficult to comprehend.
“I mean, it is so surreal, all of this. I still can’t believe we’re talking about my son who died,” she said.
Adichie added, “You’re going through something, but you also feel like you’re outside of it.”
Her comments offer a rare insight into the personal impact of the tragedy and how the circumstances surrounding her son’s death have affected her relationship with Nigeria.
