The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Nkanu, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie, following an alleged medical incident at a private healthcare facility in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr (Mrs) Kemi Ogunyemi, the governor expressed deep condolences to Adichie and her family over what he described as a painful and irreparable loss.
The government said the death of a child is a profound tragedy and assured the family of its concern and commitment to justice.
The statement reaffirmed the state government’s zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within Lagos State, stressing that the protection of human life remains a top priority.
Sanwo-Olu has consequently directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to commence a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the incident to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the death.
HEFAMAA has already begun the investigation and has visited the healthcare facility involved as part of its ongoing inquiry. The agency is expected to conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports related to the incident.
“The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.
“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The Agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,” the statement read.
The government explained that HEFAMAA is statutorily mandated to regulate, monitor and accredit public and private health facilities in the state, as well as investigate cases of alleged medical negligence and unethical practices to ensure patient safety and professional standards.
As part of the investigation, HEFAMAA will collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional process.
The probe will examine compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards and the roles of all parties involved. The government said the findings would be made public upon completion of the investigation in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The Lagos State Government assured residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would be dealt with in accordance with the law, while urging the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as due process is followed.
“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.
“Lagos State remains committed to safeguarding the health, safety, and rights of all residents and to continuously strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents,” it added.
Adichie lost one of her twin sons, Nkanu Nnamdi on January 7 after a brief illness.
Shas accused Euracare Hospital of criminal negligence over the death of her 21-month-old, alleging that medical lapses and reckless handling by an anaesthesiologist led to the tragedy.
According to Adichie, her son would still be alive but for what she described as a series of fatal errors during routine medical procedures carried out on January 6.
Meanwhile, Euracare Hospital has disclosed that it has launched an internal probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of the toddler.
The hospital said the child was critically ill and was referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two other paediatric centres.
According to Euracare, its medical team administered immediate care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally recognised medical standards, while working in collaboration with external medical teams at the family’s request.
The hospital added that the child passed away less than 24 hours after being admitted to the facility.
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