Panel suspends hospital MD, staff over Chimamanda’s son’s death

The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, alongside two other doctors, over findings of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

Recall that the toddler, one of the twin sons of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, following a brief illness.

In a statement issued days after the incident, Adichie alleged negligence on the part of the hospital, explaining that her son was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and insertion of a central line after what initially appeared to be a common cold developed into a serious infection.

According to her, the child was sedated for the procedure but was not properly monitored after receiving propofol, which reportedly led to complications, including loss of responsiveness, seizures, and cardiac arrest.

“He would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6,” Adichie had stated.

Following public outcry and formal complaints, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel was constituted to probe the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

After reviewing complaints, counter-affidavits and oral testimonies under oath, the panel suspended Dr. Majekodunmi, the hospital’s anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh.

The suspended doctors are barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

The panel also found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors, while eight were cleared of wrongdoing.

The decisions were reached during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.