Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, are grieving the death of one of their twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi, who passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the age of 21 months, following a short illness, according to family sources.
In a statement shared on Thursday through a family representative, the couple expressed profound sorrow at the unexpected loss and asked for privacy during this extremely difficult time.
The message read:
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of one of Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege’s twin boys, Nkanu Nnamdi, who died on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 21 months old.”
The family said they are devastated by his death and have appealed to the public and media to respect their privacy as they mourn in seclusion. They also requested prayers and understanding, noting that no further statements will be issued at this time.
Chimamanda Adichie, best known for acclaimed works such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, has generally kept her private life out of the spotlight, making this loss all the more poignant for her many readers and supporters around the world.