‘I don’t want to go back to Nigeria’ — Chimamanda after son’s death

In an interview with The New York Times, Adichie explained that Nigeria no longer holds the same emotional significance or sense of home for her following the loss. When asked if the country remained close to her heart, she responded bluntly: “My feelings toward Nigeria have changed. I do not want to go back to Nigeria.”

Nkanu, one of her twin sons with her husband Dr. Ivara Esege, died in December 2025 following a medical emergency at Euracare in Lagos. After developing a fever that failed to respond to initial antibiotics, the toddler was taken to the hospital for an MRI, during which he was sedated with propofol. He suffered a cardiac arrest during the procedure and passed away the following day.

The tragedy has sparked an ongoing coroner’s inquest and administrative reviews regarding medical standards and alleged professional negligence. While the family has not filed a lawsuit, they have actively pushed for systemic improvements within Nigeria’s healthcare sector to prevent similar tragedies.

Adichie noted that her decision isn’t absolute largely because her daughter still views Nigeria as her “happy place” but admitted that the deep, foundational connection she once had with her homeland as a writer and citizen has been broken by grief.