Olisa Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has advocated for a massive overhaul of the medical system to effectively address medical negligence and prevent avoidable deaths.
The former NBA leader asserted that the death of Nkanu, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege, must not be without purpose.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba urged an investigation into the toddler’s death.
He emphasized the need for reforms in the healthcare sector to combat what he referred to as medical negligence, thus preventing preventable fatalities.
“This issue here ought to be a lesson to us all; it ought to be a lesson to the Nigerian government,” he remarked.
“It is not enough for the Lagos State governor to have made a broadcast; I commend him for that, but what will change is the issue. The child of Chimamanda must not be allowed to have died in vain.
“If it will lead to a complete reform of the medical system, so be it, and that is what is required. We need to have a new medicare system in Nigeria. That should be the path forward.”
In the interim, the prominent author has served Euracare Hospital in Lagos with a legal notice, claiming that medical negligence and professional misconduct contributed to her son’s death.
The family has alleged that Nkanu’s passing was due to the hospital’s negligent actions.
In a legal notice dated January 10, issued by the law firm of Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the couple accused Euracare Hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and attending staff of failing in their duty of care during a series of medical interventions.
The toddler tragically died in the early hours of January 7, after being transferred for an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and central line insertion—these were preparatory steps for a planned medical evacuation to the United States.
The notice alleges that while young Nkanu was under sedation with propofol, he suffered severe complications during the transfer within the hospital.
His parents claimed there was inadequate monitoring, improper dosing, a lack of supplemental oxygen, insufficient medical personnel, and delays in addressing his deteriorating condition.
Lagos Wades In
Concerned about the incident, the Lagos State Government has initiated an investigation into the death.
In an earlier statement, Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, announced that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) had visited the facility and commenced a thorough review of all reports and allegations.
The agency will collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant entities to ensure an impartial investigation.
“The investigation will examine compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles of all parties involved. Findings will be made public,” Ogunyemi stated.
