Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has revealed that the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, has fundamentally changed her relationship with Nigeria, saying she no longer wants to return to the country.
Adichie made the disclosure in an interview with The New York Times, where she spoke about the emotional impact of losing one of her twin sons and the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to the author, Nigeria was once deeply connected to her identity and her career as a writer. However, the events surrounding Nkanu’s death have altered those feelings.
“My feelings toward Nigeria have changed. I do not want to go back to Nigeria,” she said.
Nkanu died in December 2025 after experiencing a medical emergency at Euracare in Nigeria. Adichie said her son initially developed a fever before being taken to the hospital after his condition failed to improve.
She alleged that Nkanu was sedated with propofol during an MRI examination and subsequently suffered cardiac arrest, dying the following day.
Adichie also recalled being told by a doctor after the procedure that her son had received too much propofol, an account she said has remained deeply etched in her memory.
The circumstances surrounding the child’s death are currently being examined through a coroner’s inquest, amid disagreements between the family and the hospital.
Adichie had previously raised allegations of medical negligence over the treatment her son received, while the hospital has reportedly disputed aspects of the family’s account.
Despite her decision not to return to Nigeria, Adichie said her children could eventually influence her position. She noted that her daughter still considers Nigeria her “happy place.”
The author said the tragedy remains difficult to comprehend, describing the experience as surreal and acknowledging that she still struggles with the reality that her son is gone.
