Lagos medical director, 2 others suspended over Adichie’s son death

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The medical director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Lagos, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi and two others have been suspended by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel over alleged negligence in the management and consequent death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.

The others suspended by the panel are the anesthesiologist at Euracare hospital, Dr. Titus Ogundare, as well as the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh.

They were suspended after the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel established a prima facie case of medical negligence against them in the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege

They will be on suspension from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

The suspension of the trio was confirmed in a statement signed by the Secretary of the panel, Dr. Enejo Abdu on Tuesday.

Nkanu, the son of renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026.

He was received care at Atlantis Hospital and at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos where he eventually passed on.

The family had in statement said that 21-month-old Nkanu, who the novelist had with her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, died after a brief illness.

The statement issued by Omawumi Ogbe of GLG Communications, said, “The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”

However, days after, sources close to the family had alleged medical negligence at the hospital where Nkanu was taken for medical procedures ahead of a scheduled evacuation to the U.S. for further treatment as the cause of the boy’s death.

The family alleged negligence, including denial of oxygen support and excessive sedation.

The hospital has denied the claims, stating that the child arrived in critical condition and was treated in line with international standards.

The Lagos state government has also initiated a coroner process to probe the death of the toddler.

Abdu in the statement also disclosed that the panel also determined that there is a prima facie case of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors.

They are Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr. Anthony Ajeh, Dr. Amarachi Bayo, and Dr. Nkechi Peji. Others are Dr. Olaoye Oludare, Dr. Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr. Patricia Akintan, Dr. Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr. Raji Faidat.

The panel, however cleared eight other doctors.

The Panel said it reached these decisions after considering the complaint against all 21 doctors and reviewing their counter-affidavits, including their oral depositions on oath at its 25th session held at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja on Feb 17th & 18th, 2026,