Federal Ministry of Health reinstates OAU teaching hospital CMD

Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Ile-Ife, Osun state, Dr. Afolabi Muyiwa Owojuyigbe, has been reinstated to his position.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the order of reinstatement came from the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja with a resumption date fixed for June 30, 2023.

Owojuyigbe had on Friday, June 30, 2023 asked some members of the Department of State Security (DSS) and the internal security operatives of the hospital to welcome him back into the office.

Speaking on the development, the chairman of the local branch of Joint Action Committee (JAC) of unions of the hospital, Abdul-Lateef Adeyeni, said that, “this development is acceptable to us all and we are grateful to the Federal Ministry of Health for the reinstatement of Owojuyigbe”.

Owojuyigbe will therefore continue in his acting capacity until a substantive CMD is appointed for the hospital.

The CMD sought the cooperation of every member and stakeholder of the hospital towards ensuring a smooth procedure for the appointment of the substantive CMD.

It would be recalled that members of the Joint Action Committee of Unions (JAC), of the OAUTH had recently urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade into the ongoing crisis over the appointment of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) for the hospital.

In a statement issued and jointly signed by the local Chairman, Abdul-Lateef Adeyeni, and the Secretary, S.A. Alagboofe, the JAC had said a wrong choice of the CMD would cause disaffection among the staff and hinder the growth of the hospital.

Dr. Owojuyigbe had been appointed Acting CMD of the hospital by Alhaji Shehu Barau Ningi led Board of the OAUTH . The appointment was from the office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, with reference number, DHS/873/vol.1/155 and signed by Osarenoma Clement Uwaifo.

But another letter dated May 30 2023, from Hassan Sallau, Director HRM, Federal Ministry of Health, addressed to Owojuyigbe nullified his appointment and that of the Director of Administration of the hospital. The letter accused the embittered Acting CMD and the Acting Director of Administration of allegedly flouting a directive of the Minister in respect of the appointments of a new CMD.

According to the letter referenced SMH.557/T3/104, “I am directed to refer to your letter Ref No. DA 44/vol.X/460 dated 28th April, 2023 requesting the Ministry to send representatives to participate in the appointment interview for Director of Administration and similarly, the directive of the Honourable Minister which was conveyed vide letter Ref SMH.557/T3/03 dated 12th May, 2023 instructing all appointments in respect of CMD and Director of Administration (DA) be held in the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja.

“Regrettably, and in spite of clear cut caution from both Directors (HS) and (HRM) to comply with the Hon. Minister’s directive, the interview went ahead where both of you actively participated. In view of the foregoing, I am to convey the Honourable Minister’s approval to the effect that those appointments have been nullified.”

Besides, the letter deployed Dr Kamil Ayinde Shoretire, Ag. Director (Inspectorate), Hospital Services Department and Mr. Olumuyiwa Fatorise, Assistant Director (Discipline) HRM from the Ministry’s headquarters to act for a period of six calendar months as the CMD and the DA respectively pending the appointments of substantive officers to the vacant positions. All handing over and takeover formalities were to be concluded on or before Wednesday June 6, 2023.

Owojuyigbe’s letter of termination of appointment as the Acting CMD was dated Thursday, June 22, 2023 and signed by Sallau.

The letter referenced SMH557/S.3/IV/125 further announced the appointment of Professor Olayinka Oladiran Adegbehingbe Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon OAUTH with effect from Tuesday, June 20, 2023 as the Acting CMD for a period of six calendar months.

The letter added, “I am further to state that all processes for fresh appointment of a substantive. CMD would be initiated and conducted by the Ministry before the expiration of the six months period.”