Following speculation of an alleged power tussle at Yaba Hospital, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Chapter, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba branch, have dispelled claims of a leadership crisis.
This was debunked on Monday during a media briefing held by the TUC Lagos State Chairman, Mr Ekundayo Olugbenga.
The meeting aimed to address and clarify the circulated speculation and highlight hospital developments.
Mr Olugbenga, who was represented by a member of the state administrative council, Adegoke Monsuru, noted that the claim was politically motivated and intended to destabilise the hospital’s leadership. On this note, Olugbenga described it as false.
JOHESU defends acting FNPHY boss
The JOHESU also strongly defended the Acting FNPHY boss, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, amid mounting criticism from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the MDCAN.
“There is no crisis in FNPHY. What we see is a clear attempt by NMA and MDCAN to dominate leadership through pressure and propaganda.”
“The same group opposed the implementation of the pharmacy consultancy cadre approved at the national level; a reform which Owoeye courageously executed,” they echoed.
JOHESU, in a joint statement signed by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and the hospital’s JOHESU branch, reaffirmed their confidence in Dr Owoeye. They praised his transparent leadership, inclusive approach, and commitment to staff welfare.
“His administration has delivered impactful welfare policies that benefit every cadre of staff,” the statement read.
They dismissed accusations linking staff welfare delays to Owoeye as baseless and misleading.
The union urged all stakeholders to focus on patient care and uphold professionalism, unity, and stability in the institution.
“FNPHY belongs to every healthcare professional. No association has the monopoly to dictate leadership,” they said.
JOHESU called on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency to ignore politically driven distractions and support the hospital’s ongoing transformation.