Acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says she no longer feels the same way about her home country, Nigeria, following the tragic death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu. In a candid interview with The New York Times, the literary giant expressed that the loss has fundamentally altered her connection to the place she once described as the source of all that enabled her to become a writer.
"My feelings toward Nigeria have changed," Adichie stated bluntly when asked if Nigeria still felt close to her heart. "I don't want to go back to Nigeria." This sentiment marks a profound shift for the author, whose identity and work have long been deeply intertwined with her Nigerian roots.
Nkanu, one of Adichie’s twin boys, passed away in December 2025 after a medical emergency at Euracare, a hospital in Nigeria. Adichie recounted that her son initially developed a fever and was treated with antibiotics by her husband, Ivara Esege. When Nkanu’s condition didn't improve, the couple sought further medical attention.
During an MRI examination, Nkanu was reportedly sedated with propofol. Adichie shared a harrowing detail from that day. A doctor approached her in distress, saying, "Well, look, they gave him too much Propofol." Those were his exact words, which she will never forget until the day she dies. Tragically, Nkanu suffered cardiac arrest shortly after the procedure and died the following day.
Adichie had publicly spoken about allegations of medical negligence concerning her son's treatment in June. The circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death have since become the subject of a coroner’s inquest. Reports indicate the proceedings have been marred by delays and disagreements between Adichie's family and Euracare.
Euracare has reportedly accused Adichie and her husband of destroying evidence by cremating their son’s remains, a claim linked to the ongoing inquest. Despite calling for improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare system, Adichie and her husband haven't yet filed a lawsuit against the hospital, according to the report.
Adichie indicated that her children might be the only reason she would consider returning to Nigeria, as her daughter still views the country as her "happy place." The immense pain of losing Nkanu has irrevocably changed her perspective, making her feel a surreal detachment from her own experience and her homeland. "I mean, it's so surreal, all of this. I still can't believe we're talking about my son who died," she shared.