Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has instructed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to investigate the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Adichie, following accusations of negligence made by the mother against Euracare Multispecialist Hospital in Victoria Island.
Kemi Ogunyemi, the special adviser to Mr Sanwo-Olu on health, announced this in a statement on Saturday after Ms Adichie provided a detailed account of the events leading to her son’s death on Tuesday, alleging significant medical errors during a procedure at the hospital.
Mrs Ogunyemi stated, “The Lagos State Government has been alerted to the deeply distressing report by esteemed Nigerian author, Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, regarding the tragic death of her son, Nkanu, following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility in Lagos on January 6.
“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to initiate a thorough, independent, and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the aim of uncovering both the immediate and underlying causes of the death.
“Consequently, HEFAMAA has commenced its investigation and has visited the relevant facility as part of the ongoing inquiry. The Agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports related to the incident.
“HEFAMAA, which is statutorily mandated to regulate, monitor, and accredit both public and private health facilities in Lagos State, also routinely investigates all cases of alleged medical negligence and unethical practices. This statutory duty is upheld consistently to ensure patient safety, professional standards, and the quality of healthcare delivery across the State.
“The Agency will collaborate closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies during the investigation to ensure a thorough, credible, and professional review process.
“The inquiry will examine the allegations raised, including adherence to established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. The findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.”
Expressing condolences to Ms Adichie and her family over their loss, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to justice, emphasising its high regard for human life and zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional practices in any healthcare facility operating within the state.
The government also assured residents that any individual or institution found liable for negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory breaches would face the full force of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
In response to Ms Adichie’s allegations, the hospital explained that the critically ill toddler had been referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two paediatric centres.
