Members of the Joint Action Committee of Unions (JAC), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals (OAUTH) Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun state have 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 Press Statement, issued and jointly signed by the local Chairman, Abdul-Lateef Adeyeni, and the Secretary, S.A. Alagboofe, the JAC said a wrong choice of the CMD would cause disaffection among the staff and hinder the growth of the hospital.
Dr. Afolabi Muyiwa Owojuyigbe had been appointed Acting CMD of the hospital by Alhaji Shehu Barau Ningi led Board of the OAUTH . The appointment, dated March 5, 2018 from the office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, with reference number, DHS/873/vol.1/155 was 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.
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.”
Reacting to the development, the local JAC consisting of five unions: Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospital Research Institutes and Associated Institution (SAAUTHRIAI), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), Medical & Health Workers Union of Nigeria (NHWUN) and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) validated the appointment of Owojuyigbe.
It warned on the consequences of the termination on the continuous harmonious relationship of all cadres of staff of the hospital. Besides, it said the nomination by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) of an Acting CMD allegedly contravened Sections 5 (1) & (3) and 17 of the University Teaching Hospitals (Reconstitution Board, Etc) Act, 1985. According to the JAC, “the Law is not only clear but also vehement about the procedure for the appointment of the CMD.”
The joint unions added, “we also need to state that purported nomination of Professor Adegbehingbe as the AG. CMD of OAUTH can’t foster peace and harmonious working relationship among different professional groups in the hospital except within the MDCN family.”
It therefore urged the President to “use his good offices to avert the impending crisis by allowing the process started by the constituted Board of Management to see the light of the day by forwarding the recommendations of the Board to the Presidency for final appointment of the substantive CMD.”