The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association has demanded the urgent removal of Olugbenga Owoeye as the Acting Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, citing a leadership breakdown, disregard for due process, and deteriorating staff welfare.
Addressing journalists on Friday, the association highlighted growing discontent among medical personnel, exacerbated by non-payment of salaries to newly recruited doctors for over five months.
This demand comes in the wake of a warning strike declared by resident doctors at the hospital.
The doctors, under the Association of Resident Doctors announced that a one-week warning strike would commence on Monday, July 7, with a threat of an indefinite industrial action if their outstanding salaries are not paid before month’s end.
In a communiqué dated July 2, the ARD described the situation as “intolerable” and condemned the persistent delays in remunerating new hires.
“The Congress observed with despair that the June salary window had closed without the new residents receiving their first salaries, after working for five months,” the statement read, adding that management had allowed the problem to linger for years despite repeated interventions.
NMA Faults Appointment of Owoeye
The Lagos NMA also accused the Federal Ministry of Health of appointing Mr. Owoeye in contravention of civil service rules.
“The appointment lacks transparency, violates civil service rules, and was carried out despite serious and unresolved allegations of administrative inefficiency,” NMA Chairman Babajide Saheed said.
The association stated that Mr. Owoeye’s appointment had further dampened staff morale and disrupted normal operations at the institution.
They called for his immediate removal and demanded that leadership be handed over to the most senior medical officer at the hospital, in accordance with federal guidelines.
Consultants Back NMA’s Position
Backing NMA’s stance, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria at the hospital voiced similar concerns in a separate letter signed by its Chairman, Jayeola Kajero.
According to MDCAN, the Federal Ministry of Health ignored several petitions alleging misconduct by Mr. Owoeye, and still proceeded to extend his tenure in acting capacity.
“The Honourable Minister, without recourse to due process, extended the tenure of the same individual in an acting capacity. This act, in our opinion, validates misconduct and undermines the principles of accountability and institutional integrity,” the letter stated.
Both NMA and MDCAN are calling on the health ministry to urgently restore order by appointing a new acting medical director through a transparent and lawful process, and to ensure the immediate payment of salaries owed to affected resident doctors.
“This press conference is not driven by politics or personality but by a commitment to fairness, transparency, and the protection of patient care standards,” the NMA clarified.
The association also warned that failure to address the situation could compel it to explore other legal avenues to uphold the dignity of the profession and protect its members.
“We call on the relevant authorities, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency, to act swiftly to restore order and professionalism to the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba,” it stated.