The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Chapter, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba Branch, have strongly refuted recent claims of a leadership crisis at the hospital. They accused the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Branch, and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FNPHY Branch, of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign to destabilize the institution and discredit the Acting Medical Director, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Comrade Adegoke Monsuru, who represented the TUC Chairman, Comrade Ekundayo Olugbenga, described the allegations as “a calculated effort to disrupt the hospital’s stability and manipulate leadership succession for personal interest.”
“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 Dr. Owoeye courageously executed,” Comrade Adegoke stated.
JOHESU Stands Firm
In a joint statement signed by the leadership of SSAUTHRIAI, MHWUN, and NUAHP, JOHESU FNPHY Branch reaffirmed their total confidence in Dr. Owoeye’s leadership, citing his transparent administration and unmatched dedication to staff development and welfare.
“Dr. Owoeye has consistently demonstrated a leadership style that is inclusive, people-focused, and fair to all professional groups. His administration has delivered impactful welfare policies that benefit every cadre of staff,” the statement read.
Key Staff Welfare Achievements Under Dr. Owoeye:
– Prompt and regular promotion of staff across all departments — no record of stagnation
– Conversion of over 250 staff who acquired additional qualifications to appropriate cadres
– Full implementation of the approved Pharmacy Consultancy Cadre
– Regular sponsorship of staff for trainings and capacity building, both locally and internationally
– Support for internal development programs such as the ongoing structural training for senior staff preparing for 2025 promotion exams
– Consistent engagement with unions to maintain peace, transparency, and industrial harmony
On Salary Delay of Newly Recruited Doctors
TUC and JOHESU also addressed the issue of unpaid salaries raised by NMA/MDCAN, clarifying that salary payment is not within the purview of hospital management. The payment process is handled by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
“The IPPIS capturing for the newly employed staff was only concluded in May 2025. Since then, Dr. Owoeye has taken deliberate steps to fast-track their payment. Just last week, he visited the IPPIS unit at the OAGF in Abuja to push the process forward. Based on his efforts, payment is expected by July ending ,alongside July salary,” the unions confirmed.
They described attempts to link the delay to the Medical Director as misleading, unfair, and designed to misinform the public.
Call for Focus and Unity
TUC and JOHESU called on all stakeholders to prioritize patient care, professional unity, and institutional stability rather than engage in divisive politics.
“FNPHY belongs to every healthcare professional. No association has the monopoly to dictate leadership. We call on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Presidency to ignore these politically motivated distractions and support the ongoing transformation at the hospital,” the unions concluded.
