Nigerian Literary Icon Chimamanda Adichie Mourns Loss of Young Twin Son

Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, are mourning the tragic loss of their 21-month-old twin son, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in a statement issued by family representative Omawumi Ogbe.

The statement reads: “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 Wednesday, 7th of January 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.

“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.”

The announcement has elicited an outpouring of condolences from fans, literary figures, and admirers worldwide, with many sharing messages of sympathy and support on social media.

Adichie, acclaimed for bestselling novels such as Half of a Yellow Sun, Americanah, and her essay collection We Should All Be Feminists, has always fiercely guarded her family’s privacy. The couple, married since 2009, welcomed twin boys in 2024, a joyful milestone she revealed quietly in interviews the following year. They also have an older daughter born in 2016.

As the family grieves this unimaginable loss, the global literary community stands in solidarity, honoring the family’s request for space and privacy during this painful time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dr. Ivara Esege, and their loved ones.