Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, has ordered an investigation into the cause of death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, son of renowned author Chimamanda Adichie, following allegations of negligence levelled by the mother against Euracare Multispecialist Hospital, Victoria Island.
The special adviser to Mr Sanwo-Olu on health, Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, following Ms Adichie’s detailed account earlier in the day of the events that led to the death on Tuesday, in which she accused the hospital of alleged serious medical lapses during a procedure.
Mrs Ogunyemi said, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the deeply distressing report by renowned Nigerian author, Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, concerning 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 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.
“HEFAMAA, which is statutorily established to regulate, monitor, and accredit both public and private health facilities in Lagos State, also, as part of its core mandate, carry out routine investigation of all cases of alleged medical negligence and unethical practices. This statutory responsibility is exercised consistently to uphold patient safety, professional standards, and the quality of health service delivery across the State.
“The Agency will work in close collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies in the course of the investigation to ensure a holistic, credible, and professional review process.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.”
Commiserating with Ms Adichie and her family over the loss, the state government expressed its commitment to justice, insisting that it places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating in the state.
The state government also assured residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations would face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
The hospital, however, responding to Mr Adichie’s allegations, explained that the critically ill toddler was referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two paediatric centres.