The Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State Branch, has ordered the immediate reversal of the appointment of Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye as the Acting Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State.
The association in a statement on Sunday, said the appointment is a threat to the stability and integrity of the institution.
It added that the appointment of Owoeye, whose tenure as substantive Medical Director has expired, undermines the established public service rules and could lead to administrative collapse at the hospital.
It also noted that the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, which has long been a cornerstone of mental health care delivery in Nigeria, is now on the verge of crisis due to the controversy surrounding the appointment.
“The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State, an institution that is the pride of mental health care in Nigeria, is currently on the verge of administrative collapse due to the emerging crisis over the appointment of Acting Medical Director,” the statement signed by the Lagos NMA Chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, read partly.
“As the Nigerian Medical Association, we are duty-bound to speak on behalf of our members and the broader healthcare community when actions within the system undermine integrity, efficiency, and the well-being of patients and professionals.”
The association further appreciated the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Federal Ministry of Health for their initial intervention, but however, insisted that retaining Owoeye as an acting capacity is unacceptable.
“We are compelled to register our strong dissatisfaction with the decision to retain Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye—whose tenure as Medical Director has expired—as Acting Medical Director. This move is deeply concerning. A second-term appointment must be earned on merit.
“One would have expected that a ministry entrusted with delivering the health mandate of the Mr. President would prioritise institutional stability, staff welfare, and patient-centred care, and avoid any decision that is not in tandem with the provisions of PSR and hence crisis-proned,” the association said.
The NMA reaffirmed its commitment to institutional order, emphasizing that Lagos would continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with due process in the appointment of medical leadership at the hospital.
It also highlighted four key demands, including the immediate reversal of Owoeye’s appointment and the selection of the next most senior and competent officer as acting medical director in line with civil service protocols.
It said, “We therefore demand as follows: Immediate reversal of Dr. Owoeye’s appointment as Acting Medical Director; Appointment of the next most senior and competent officer as acting medical director pending the appointment of substantive medical director in line with public service rules and established circulars (e.g., SGF.50/S.II/C.2/268).
“An open, transparent, and merit-driven process for the selection of a substantive medical director; and further engagement with NMA and MDCAN to ensure that the situation does not degenerate into a full-blown crisis.”
The statement added that the association stands firm in its conviction that leadership in healthcare institutions must reflect merit, accountability, and service to the people.
It also emphasised that the health of Nigerians is not a bargaining chip, instead, it is a sacred responsibility that must be safeguarded by everyone.
