Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC), located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is currently facing a leadership crisis due to the issuance of appointment letters to two individuals as the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD).
According to Tribune Online, this development has caused significant disruptions in the hospital and has created unrest among stakeholders.
Investigations conducted over the weekend have revealed that the Federal Ministry of Health appointed two CMDs to assume leadership positions at the hospital.
One letter, with reference number SMH557/S.3/IV/125, appoints Dr. Olayinka Adegbehingbe, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, to act as CMD from Tuesday, June 20th, 2023, for a period of six months.
The letter also states that the Ministry will initiate and conduct the necessary processes for the appointment of a substantive CMD before the expiration of the six-month period.
It further explains that Dr. Owojuyigbe Muyiwa’s appointment as acting CMD was terminated by the Permanent Secretary on June 22nd.
The letter reads as follows: “I am directed to inform you that the Permanent Secretary has approved the termination of your appointment as the Acting Chief Medical Director, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife.
In this regard, Prof. Olayinka Oladiran Adegbehingbe, Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, also from OAUTH, has been appointed to take over from you as Acting Chief Medical Director of the Hospital with effect from Tuesday, 20th June 2023, for a period of six months.”
However, the situation at the hospital became even more tense and complicated with the emergence of another letter from the Federal Ministry of Health, dated June 27th, addressed to Prof. Owojuyigbe.
This letter instructed him to continue as the acting CMD until July and subsequently hand over to Dr. Adeyemo Adekunle.
The letter states, “I have approved the appointment of Dr. Adeyemo Adekunle, the Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC) of the Hospital, as Acting Chief Medical Director, who will hold this position for a maximum period of six months, in line with Public Service Rules.
All processes for the appointment of a substantive CMD for the Hospital shall be initiated and concluded by the Ministry.”
It further directs Prof. Owojuyigbe to hand over the hospital’s affairs on or before Friday, July 7th, 2023, to the DCMAC of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife. The letter supersedes the earlier letter dated June 22nd, 2023, and any other correspondence.
As a result, the hospital environment has become tense and chaotic, leaving the staff divided and confused about whose instructions to follow.
