Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that she does not want to return to Nigeria, saying the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, has profoundly changed her relationship with the country.
Adichie made this known in an interview with The New York Times.
NPO Report recalls that Adichie lost her son, Nkanu in December 2025.
Asked whether Nigeria still felt like a place close to her heart, the author said, “My feelings toward Nigeria have changed. I do not want to go back to Nigeria.”
Nkanu, one of the twins Adichie had with her husband, Ivara Esege, died following alleged medical negligence and complications during preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
According to the author, her son initially developed a fever and was given antibiotics by his father. However, when his condition failed to improve, the couple took him to the hospital for further assessment.
She said Nkanu subsequently underwent an MRI scan during which he was sedated with propofol. The child later suffered cardiac arrest and died the following day.
Recounting the events, Adichie said a doctor spoke to her after the procedure and appeared distressed while explaining what had happened.
She recalled the doctor saying, “Well, look, they gave him too much Propofol.”
The circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death are currently the subject of a coroner’s inquest.
In June, Adichie publicly raised allegations of medical negligence concerning the treatment her son received at the hospital.
The proceedings have been affected by delays and disagreements between the family and Euracare. The hospital has also reportedly accused Adichie and her husband of destroying evidence by cremating their son’s remains.
Adichie, however, clarified that her decision not to return to Nigeria was not necessarily permanent, noting that her children could eventually influence her choice.
She said her daughter still considers Nigeria her happy place.
Before her son’s death, Adichie said Nigeria was deeply connected to her identity and writing career, describing the country as the place that gave her “everything” she needed to become an author.
However, she said Nkanu’s death had fundamentally altered that relationship.
“I mean, it is so surreal, all of this. I still can’t believe we’re talking about my son who died,” she said.
“You’re going through something, but you also feel like you’re outside of it.”
