Chimamanda Adichie has spoken publicly about her grief and frustration following reports that a court stalled an inquest into the death of her son, while also accusing Euracare Hospital of obstructing the process meant to uncover the truth.
In a detailed letter attached to the inquest report, the author described waking up daily with overwhelming emotional pain as she continues to struggle with the loss.
She explained that the decision to release the letter publicly was driven by her belief that silence would allow wrongdoing to continue, while also clarifying that she does not want individuals named in the case to be targeted or harassed.
Adichie alleged that Euracare Hospital initially requested an inquest into her son’s death but later delayed and complicated the process after raising concerns about negligence. She questioned why an institution that once called for an investigation would later seek to stop it.
She also stressed that an inquest is meant solely to establish facts surrounding a death and not to assign blame or serve as a legal battle between parties.
Despite her pain, she expressed appreciation for the support she has received from people around the world and asked for continued prayers as she seeks closure.
“I wake up every single morning with my heart racing. Did this really happen? My precious son, Nkanu Nnamdi. My Kankan, my diokpala.
“The ultimate and utter loneliness of grief is that only you can know the true depth of your despair.
“I long for, at least, peace to mourn, but Euracare Hospital has robbed me even of that.
“I have decided to make this letter public because to keep silent about Euracare’s evil is to enable it. I do not want anyone mentioned to be personally targeted.
“It was Euracare which first applied for an inquest in January, stating that our son’s death was unexpected and an inquest was in their interest because of ‘rumours of negligence.’ Yet they have stalled and muddied and obfuscated.
“An inquest is a public judicial inquiry designed to establish the circumstances surrounding a death. It is not a trial. It is not a claim for damages. It is simply a search for the truth.”
