Coroner Adjourns Inquest into Chimamanda Adichie's Son's Death to May 5
The coroner's inquest into the tragic death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the son of globally renowned author Chimamanda Adichie, has been officially adjourned to May 5 for a definitive hearing. Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, overseeing the inquiry ordered by the Lagos State Judiciary, announced this decision on Tuesday at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Igbosere, marking a shift from the previous venue at the Magistrates' Court in Yaba.
Stalled Proceedings and Legal Arguments
During the last session on February 25, the court had scheduled Tuesday's hearing for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital to commence its defense by calling witnesses, as agreed upon by all involved parties. The coroner had also mandated that all counsel file and exchange witness statements under oath before the April 14 sitting, with evidence to be presented in a specific sequence: Euracare first, followed by the family of the deceased, and then Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
However, the proceedings came to a halt on Tuesday when the court observed that none of the parties had complied with the directive to file and exchange witness statements. Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), appearing as Euracare's new lead counsel for the first time, informed the court that there had been no clear order specifying which party should file its witness statements initially.
He also disclosed an intended interlocutory application, which has not yet been filed, seeking an order for a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death and access to the deceased's medical records from his parents, Dr Ivara Esege and Chimamanda Adichie-Esege. Prof Osipitan argued that these measures were essential to ensure a fair hearing before the hospital opened its case.
Court's Response and Emphasis on Cooperation
In response, Magistrate Adetunji noted that the issue of an autopsy had already been addressed at the previous sitting. She referenced submissions by Prof Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), counsel for the Esege family, who cited Section 21(1) of the Coroner Systems Law, which permits an inquest to proceed even without an autopsy. This position, she emphasized, had already been accepted by the court and all parties involved.
The coroner further held that Euracare had been granted access to prior proceedings and could obtain additional materials through subpoenas or other lawful means, adding that such requests should not delay the hearing. She stressed that Euracare had initiated the request for the inquest and expressed readiness to fully participate in establishing the truth.
Magistrate Adetunji urged all parties to cooperate with the process, adhere to timelines, and avoid shifting blame, highlighting that coroner inquiries are inquisitorial rather than adversarial. She added that the process aims to uncover facts, provide closure to the grieving family, and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Readiness of Other Parties and Adjournment
Counsel for the Esege family and Atlantis Hospital, Adeniyi Kazeem (SAN), indicated that their witness statements were prepared and would be filed accordingly. Counsel for the Lagos State Government, Adebola Araba, stated that the nature of testimony presented would determine whether expert witnesses would be called.
The matter has been adjourned to May 5 and May 20, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for June 3 to continue the proceedings.
Background of the Case
Master Nkanu was reportedly admitted to Euracare Hospital on January 6, 2026, after being referred from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital for urgent medical intervention. He tragically passed away in the early hours of January 7. Following an investigation, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) established a prima facie case of medical negligence against three doctors: Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at Euracare; and Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
The council also issued interim suspension orders against the doctors, pending the outcome of formal disciplinary proceedings, underscoring the gravity of the allegations in this high-profile case.
