Lagos Govt condoles Chimamanda Adichie, orders probe into alleged medical negligence that led to son’s death
Lagos State Government has expressed deep condolences to renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, over the tragic death of her son, Nkanu, following an alleged medical incident at a private healthcare facility in Lagos.
In a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the state government described the loss of a child as a profound tragedy and extended its heartfelt sympathies to Ms. Adichie and her family during what it called an extremely difficult period.
According to the statement, the attention of the Lagos State Government was drawn to Ms. Adichie’s distressing account of the incident, which reportedly occurred on January 6 at a private hospital in the state. The government assured the bereaved family of its concern and commitment to justice, stressing that it places the highest value on human life.
The statement reaffirmed that Lagos State maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within its jurisdiction.
In response to the incident, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, with the aim of uncovering both the immediate and remote causes.
Following this directive, HEFAMAA has already commenced investigations and visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports linked to the case.
The government explained that HEFAMAA is statutorily mandated to regulate, monitor and accredit both public and private health facilities in Lagos State, and routinely investigates cases of alleged medical negligence and unethical practices to ensure patient safety and uphold professional standards.
As part of the probe, HEFAMAA will collaborate closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a holistic, credible and professional review process.
The investigation will examine issues such as compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, as well as the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. The Lagos State Government said findings from the investigation will be made public once the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.
The state government further assured residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations will face the full weight of the law in line with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
While the investigation continues, the government urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, noting that due process is being followed to ensure fairness, justice and credible outcomes.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Lagos State’s commitment to safeguarding the health, safety and rights of all residents, while strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents.