The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s son.

This comes after Adichie’s personal account of her son’s death went viral on Saturday, 10 January.

The Lagos State Government condoled with the author’s family and said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident, “with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the investigation would review the allegations, assess adherence to clinical and safety standards, and clarify the roles of those involved, adding that the findings would be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.

“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” the statement said.

The Lagos State Government assured the public that any individual or institution found guilty of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would face the full weight of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.

“While the investigation is ongoing, the government urges the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, as due process is being followed to ensure fairness, justice and credibility of outcomes.”

Meanwhile, Euracare Hospital has responded to the allegations levelled against it by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie over the death of her son.

The hospital described itself as a reputable centre for complex medical care and said it has internationally trained professionals.

“The patient, who was critically ill, was referred to our facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment for a period of time at two pediatric centres.

“Upon arrival, our medical team immediately provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including the administration of sedation where clinically indicated,” the statement said.

Euracare said that in the course of Nkanu’s care, it worked collaboratively with external medical teams as recommended by his family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was provided.

“Despite these concerted efforts, the patient sadly passed away less than 24 hours after presenting at our facility.”

The hospital said it had commenced a detailed investigation in line with its clinical governance standards and best practices.

Euracare said it remains committed to engaging transparently and responsibly with all clinical and regulatory processes.

“We recognise that the family is grieving an irreplaceable loss and we will continue to support them in any way that may bring comfort during this devastating period.”

In a leaked detailed personal account, Adichie said her son would still be alive if not for the incident at Euracare Hospital on 6 January.

Speaking to a News Media, Adichie’s spokesperson, Omawumi Ogbe, said the family expressed regret over the leak of a private message but said it exposed serious clinical failures and alleged medical negligence, stressing that accountability and the truth should remain the focus.

“While we are saddened that such a deeply personal account of grief and trauma was leaked, the details therein highlight the devastating clinical failures the family is now forced to confront. We hope that the substance of that message, which details the gross medical negligence that led to this tragedy, remains the central focus as we look forward to the truth and accountability.”

According to a statement from Omawumi Ogbe, Adichie’s spokesperson, Nkanu died on Wednesday, 7 January, “after a brief illness.”

“The family is devastated by this huge loss, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said