Lagos Orders Probe into Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has formally reacted to the tragic passing of Nkanu, the young son of celebrated Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In a move reflecting the gravity of the allegations, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an immediate and transparent inquiry into the private healthcare facility where the incident occurred on January 6.

​The Government’s Stance

​The Ministry of Health, through a statement signed by Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, expressed “heartfelt condolences” to the Adichie family. The statement emphasized that the state maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward medical malpractice.

​”The death of a child is a profound tragedy. We assure the family of our commitment to justice and our determination to unravel the immediate and remote causes of this loss,” the statement read.

​The Investigation Process

​The Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has already been deployed to the facility in question. To ensure the findings are beyond reproach, the investigation will be conducted in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

​The probe will specifically scrutinize:

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• ​Clinical Protocols: Whether the hospital followed standard life-saving procedures.
• ​Professional Conduct: The actions taken by the attending medical personnel.
• ​Regulatory Compliance: Whether the facility met the safety standards required by Lagos State law.

​Accountability and Transparency

​HEFAMAA is statutorily mandated to oversee both public and private healthcare providers in the state. The government has vowed that if any individual or institution is found guilty of professional misconduct or negligence, they will face the full wrath of the law.

​While the investigation is underway, officials have urged the public to refrain from speculation. The final findings of the report are expected to be made public in the interest of accountability and to restore confidence in the state’s healthcare oversight.