Stakeholders Demand Halt to Tenure Extension of Yaba Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital MD Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

A brewing leadership crisis has engulfed the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, following the contentious extension of the tenure of Medical Director Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye beyond his statutory four-year term, which expired on May 31, 2025. Instead of stepping down and allowing the most senior clinical officer to assume the acting role as stipulated by federal regulations, Dr. Owoeye re-designated himself as Acting Medical Director from June 1, 2025, citing a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

This unprecedented move has sparked protests and deep dissatisfaction among senior consultants and staff, who argue that such an act violates clear public service rules and threatens institutional stability. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Branch, alongside the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, halt the ongoing reappointment process, and commission a transparent investigation into the matter.

Dr. Babajide Saheed, Chairman of Lagos NMA, decried the extension, emphasizing that “a second-term appointment must be earned on merit,” and warned that failure to address the issue could lead to avoidable unrest within the hospital. The associations cite the December 4, 2017 circular from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which mandates that outgoing CEOs must hand over roles to the next most senior officer and must not exceed their tenure without formal reappointment.

Beyond procedural concerns, MDCAN accuses Dr. Owoeye’s administration of gross mismanagement, including poor leadership in operational and clinical areas, declining staff morale, deteriorating infrastructure, and a lack of innovation. They stress the urgency for leadership that aligns with President Tinubu’s health agenda of integrity and zero tolerance for corruption, cautioning against “rewarding failure with reappointment.”

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In response, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, defended the due diligence of the supervisory Ministry, revealing that independent panels, involving stakeholders like the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Federal Character Commission, investigated the situation and found no wrongdoing. Nonetheless, staff unrest remains palpable, with some resident doctors threatening strike action over unresolved welfare issues, such as delayed salaries.

Contrasting the critical voices, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Lagos State chapter has rallied behind Dr. Owoeye, describing the allegations as baseless attempts to destabilize the hospital. They praise his tenure for transformative leadership, improved staff welfare, infrastructure development, and professional promotions.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) further endorsed Dr. Owoeye’s reappointment, lauding his commitment to professionalism, staff welfare, and institutional development despite opposition, highlighting his role in facilitating long-awaited promotions and establishing consultant pharmacist positions.

The deep divide among stakeholders reflects broader tensions about governance, transparency, and accountability within federal health institutions. The NMA and MDCAN’s insistence on adherence to established rules stand in stark contrast to TUC and PSN’s commendations of Dr. Owoeye’s leadership. The dispute underscores an urgent need for clear, merit-based leadership decisions to restore confidence and ensure the continued excellence of one of Nigeria’s foremost psychiatric health centers.

As Nigeria watches closely, all eyes remain on President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Health to decisively address the crisis before it escalates further, prioritizing institutional integrity, staff welfare, and the delivery of quality mental health care to the nation.