The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in conjunction with the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), has condemned the allegations recently circulated by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Chapter, against the leadership of the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba by Dr Olugbenga Owoeye.
The Chairman of TUC Lagos State Council, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo made this known at a press conference organised by the two bodies with the theme: “Upholding Truth and Professionalism” on Wednesday in Lagos.
It was recalled that NMA had on Monday June 23, 2025 issued a public statement falsely claiming that the hospital was experiencing an administrative crisis and the reappointment of Owoeye as ‘Acting Medical Director’ was improper.
It was recalled that NMA had earlier intimidated to remove Owoeye from office for having implemented the consultancy cadre for the qualified hospital pharmacists, which had long been approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and has been implemented in several other Federal Health Institutions across the country.
Represented by the TUC Ex-Officio II, Mr Adegoke Kehinde, Ekundayo described the allegations as “Misleading Claims” by NMA Lagos, designed to tarnish the Integrity, Equity and the Outstanding Leadership of Owoeye.
He said, “We want to state clearly and unequivocally that: There is no leadership crisis, no collapse and no illegality in Yaba Psychiatric Hospital.
“What is unfolding is a calculated, well-funded campaign aimed at discrediting a leader whose only “offence” is his consistent promotion of equity, professionalism and institutional growth.
“Owoeye’s reappointment as Acting Medical Director is fully in compliance with the Public Services Rules, and reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to competence, continuity and performance.
“Under Owoeye’s visionary leadership; the hospital has recorded groundbreaking progress including the approval and implementation of the consultancy cadre for the qualified hospital pharmacists – a long-overdue recognition of their critical role in healthcare delivery.
“The conversion of many stagnated staff members with additional qualifications – an unprecedented act in the hospital’s history. The clearing of all promotion arrears.
“The construction of new buildings and significant infrastructure upgrades, greatly enhancing service delivery and staff welfare and the modernisation of the hospital’s facilities; creating a more professional, efficient and patient-friendly environment”.
According to him, these are not mere promise, they are verifiable achievements that reflect leadership style anchored in inclusivity, accountability and results.
“Why is such transformational leadership under attack? he asked.
“It is clear that these attacks are being driven by self-serving interests that determined to hijack the office of the Medical Director through unethical means,” the TUC Chairman stated.
To the Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Salako and the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health, the TUC Chairman expressed appreciation for their principled and fair stance so far.
To President Bola Tinubu, the Union also extend gratitude for the confidence placed in Owoeye’s leadership and for unwavering support for competence-driven appointment in the Federal Health Institutions.
The Union categorically stated that it stands firm in defence of truth, justice, and the progress of the nation’s healthcare system, saying that it would continue to speak boldly in defence of what is right.
