Majekodunmi, Others Suspended by MDCN Panel
The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has suspended the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two others after establishing a prima facie case of medical negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr. Ivara Esege, died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.
The panel also suspended Euracare’s anesthesiologist, Dr. Titus Ogundare, and the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh. The trio is barred from medical practice in Nigeria pending the determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
In a statement signed by the panel’s Secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, it was disclosed that a prima facie case of professional misconduct was also established against 10 other doctors. They include Dr. Adeseye Akinsete, Dr. Chidinma Ohagwu, Dr. Anthony Ajeh, Dr. Amarachi Bayo, Dr. Nkechi Peji, Dr. Olaoye Oludare, Dr. Agaja Oyinkansola, Dr. Patricia Akintan, Dr. Babatunde Bamgboye, and Dr. Raji Faidat.
The panel cleared eight other doctors after reviewing complaints against 21 practitioners, considering their counter-affidavits and oral depositions on oath. The investigation was concluded at the panel’s 25th session held at Excel Hotel & Resort in Abuja on February 17 and 18, 2026.
The child was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness. Plans were underway to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for further treatment.
Atlantis reportedly referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture and insertion of a central line.
He died following the procedures. His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, issued by a law firm led by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the family accused Euracare, its anesthesiologist and other attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
The notice stated that the child, born on March 25, 2024, was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of an emergency medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist team was said to be on standby.
The procedures reportedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, lumbar puncture and intravenous sedation using propofol.
According to the parents, the child developed sudden and severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI.