The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is currently embroiled in confusion following the appointment of two individuals as acting Chief Medical Directors within a span of just one week.

According to sources within the hospital, Prof Oladiran Adegbehingbe was initially appointed as the acting CMD through a letter dated June 22, 2023. The letter, signed by Hassan Sallahu, Director of Human Resources, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, conveyed the approval for Adegbehingbe’s appointment. The professor wasted no time and promptly assumed his new responsibilities. He even visited the ministry in Abuja on Monday, where he was introduced to the officials.

The letter addressed to Adegbehingbe read, “I am directed to convey the approval of the Permanent Secretary for your appointment as acting Chief Medical Director, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, with effect from Tuesday, June 20, 2023. The appointment is for a period of six (6) months, during which all processes for the appointment of a substantive Chief Medical Director will be initiated and concluded by the ministry.”

However, on Friday, Prof Afolabi Owojuyigbe, who succeeded the previous substantive CMD, Prof Victor Adetiloye, arrived at the hospital with another letter dated June 27, 2023. The letter, issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Adebiyi Olufunso, designated Owojuyigbe as the acting CMD. The letter further instructed Owojuyigbe to stabilize the hospital and hand over the management to Dr Adekunle Adeyemo, who was appointed to assume the role in an acting capacity by Friday, July 7, 2023.

The letter stated, “I have approved the appointment of Dr Adeyemo Adekunle, the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, as acting Chief Medical Director, who will serve in this capacity for a maximum period of six months in line with public service rules. Therefore, you are directed to hand over the affairs of the hospital on or before Friday, July 7, 2023, to the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of OAUTHC, Ile-Ife.”

The sudden succession of acting CMDs has sparked confusion within OAUTHC, leaving staff and stakeholders bewildered about the authority and management structure of the hospital. The overlapping appointments have raised questions about the decision-making process and the impact it may have on the institution’s operations.