Dr Ivara Esege, the husband of celebrated author Chimamanda Adichie, has declared that his family will not relent until justice is served over the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Adichie-Esege. Nkanu died on January 7, 2026, at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos after arriving for routine diagnostic procedures. In a detailed opinion piece, Dr Esege accused the hospital of obstructing a judicial inquest into the circumstances of the tragedy.
Father's demands for accountability
Dr Esege explained that the fight for answers is not only for his family but for all Nigerians. He said: “We are waiting and hoping that Euracare will not be able to use its wealth and power to stop an inquest. If this is allowed to happen, it will be a mockery and abuse of the entire judicial system.” The grieving father revealed that his son arrived at Euracare conscious, interactive, and with stable vital signs, referred for an MRI scan, PICC line insertion, and a lumbar puncture, with plans to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States the following day. Less than 24 hours later, Nkanu was dead.
Allegations against Euracare Hospital
According to Dr Esege, the family cremated their son at Ebony Funeral Home on the recommendation of Euracare’s Chief Medical Director. He recalled: “He was to be transferred the following day to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for treatment. Less than 24 hours after arriving at Euracare, he was dead. It is putting it mildly to call the loss of Nkanu devastating.” The family requested a public inquest in a letter dated January 28, 2026, and Euracare itself had also applied for one, describing the death as unexpected.
Inquest delays and regulatory findings
The first sitting was scheduled for February 25, 2026, with Euracare presenting evidence first. However, the process has since been postponed until October 2026. Dr Esege lamented: “It has been a nightmare dealing with Euracare while keeping life as normal as possible for our daughter and for Nkanu’s twin brother and trying to protect my wife from much of this upheaval.” The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria set up an Investigative Panel into the death. In a letter dated February 25, 2026, the panel found that Euracare’s Chief Medical Director, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, and the anaesthesiologist who administered sedation, Dr Titus Ogundare, have a case of negligence to answer for.
Chimamanda Adichie's previous statement
Earlier, Chimamanda Adichie shared heartbreaking details regarding her late son’s case, stating that the medical centre was denying her the opportunity to mourn in peace while she questioned their actions. She alleged that a hospital representative contacted a relative to stop the court process to prevent her name from facing public scrutiny. Dr Esege emphasised that his family’s pursuit of justice is about ensuring proper healthcare delivery in Nigeria and preventing other parents from suffering similar preventable losses.
