Renowned Nigerian writer and feminist icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is mourning the loss of one of her twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi.
In a statement released on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe on behalf of the family, the family announced that the 21-month-old died on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, after a brief illness.
The statement added that the loss has deeply devastated the family and urged the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time. It 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.
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Readers, writers, and admirers around the world have poured out condolences following the heartbreaking news.
Chimamanda welcomed Nkanu Nnamdi as one of her twins after openly discussing her decision to have children through surrogacy. In past interviews, she spoke honestly about her journey and challenged the stigma often attached to assisted reproduction.
By sharing her story, Adichie sparked conversations about motherhood, choice, and family, especially in African societies where many people still misunderstand surrogacy.
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In addition to her twin sons, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is also a mother to a daughter, who was born in 2016. While the author has acknowledged her daughter publicly, she has deliberately kept her name and personal life private.
As the family grieves the loss of their son, they have again appealed for understanding and privacy.
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