Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is currently facing a leadership crisis as two individuals have received letters of appointment as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital.

This development has caused disruptions to the hospital’s operations and sparked tensions among stakeholders.

The Federal Ministry of Health issued two separate CMD appointment letters. One letter, with reference number SMH557/S.3/IV/125, appointed Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, Olayinka Adegbehingbe, as the acting CMD for a six-month period starting from Tuesday, June 20th, 2023.

The letter stated that the processes for appointing a substantive CMD would be initiated and conducted by the Ministry before the six-month period ends.

On the other hand, another letter dated June 27th, originating from the Federal Ministry of Health and addressed to Prof. Owojuyigbe, instructed him to continue as the acting CMD until July and subsequently hand over to Dr. Adeyemo Adekunle.

The letter further stated that all processes for appointing a substantive CMD would be initiated and concluded by the Ministry.

The conflicting letters have further complicated the situation at the hospital, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty. The stakeholders are left with uncertainty regarding the true leadership of the hospital.

In light of this crisis, it is crucial to resolve the conflicting appointments promptly to restore stability and ensure effective leadership at OAUTHC.