Medical Director and Two Doctors Suspended Amid Investigation into Chimamanda Adichie’s Son’s Death

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has acted to suspend Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, the Medical Director at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, along with two other doctors due to a preliminary finding of medical negligence concerning the treatment of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of celebrated writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Nkanu tragically passed away on January 7, 2026, after receiving treatment at both Atlantis Hospital and Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital located in Lagos.

Reports indicate that, in addition to Dr. Majekodunmi, the panel has also suspended Dr. Titus Ogundare, an anesthesiologist at Euracare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.

In a communiqué released by Dr. Enejo Abdu, the secretary of the panel, it was stated that these individuals are barred from practicing medicine in Nigeria while their case is pending resolution by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

The panel has identified another ten doctors as having a prima facie case of professional misconduct. These include Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr. Anthony Ajeh, Dr. Amarachi Bayo, Dr. Nkechi Peji, Dr. Olaoye Oludare, Dr. Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr. Patricia Akintan, Dr. Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr. Raji Faidat.

Following thorough deliberations during their examination of 21 doctors' testimonies and counter-affidavits, the panel also determined that eight other doctors were cleared of any wrongdoing.

The investigation wrapped up during the panel's 25th session, which took place at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja on February 17th and 18th, 2026.

Nkanu Adichie-Esege was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was reported as a deteriorating but initially mild medical condition. While preparations were being made to shift him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States, he was referred to Euracare for essential pre-flight diagnostic evaluations such as an MRI, a lumbar puncture, and the placement of a central line.

Unfortunately, the child succumbed to his condition following these procedures, leading his parents to allege that negligence and professional misconduct were involved in his death.