Alleged Sit-Tight: OAUTHC Management Speaks Up On CMD's Tenure

The management of the Obafemi Awololwo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife on Wednesday debunked media reports making the rounds, purportedly claiming the refusal of its Chief Medical Director, Professor Victor Adetiloye to vacate office despite the Federal Government's directive.

In a release signed by its head of corporate services as obtained by IFECITYBLOG on Wednesday, the Complex described as false and baseless the series of allegations against the CMD, adding that such claims were only meant to discredit him and to place the hospital in a negative public perspective.

The hospital management further noted that contrary to claims, it has not received any directive from Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari ordering the exit of Adetiloye from office against the expiry date of his tenure.

It added that the second 4-year tenure of Adetiloye as approved by Mr. President through the Federal Ministry of Health took effect from 22nd September, 2018 and will expire on the 22nd September, 2022.

The statement reads, "The attention of the Management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife has been drawn to some news being circulated online claiming that the hospital’s Chief Medical Director has defied President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to vacate office.  

"The hospital management firmly affirms that the CMD has not in any way defy Mr. President as no such directive to vacate office has been received as of today Wednesday, 30th March 2022. No letter has been received stating the change of date from 22 September 2022.

"The Management further states that all the allegations are false, baseless and mere handiwork of those bent on causing mischief in a peaceful and progressive public hospital as OAUTHC, which has recorded tremendous successes in the serving years of Professor Adetiloye. We also regard this as an attempt for cheap blackmail orchestrated by frustrated elements to malign the reputation of a diligent and incorruptible gentleman - the Chief Medical Director, Professor Victor Adetiloye.

"The issues are apparent, and we would like to state the facts. On the 3rd October, 2018, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria communicated the renewal of the appointment of Professor Victor Adebayo Adetiloye as the Chief Medical Director through the Ministry of Health for a second tenure in which it was expressly stated therein takes effect from the 22nd September, 2018 for four years. Consequently, his term of office should end by 21st September, 2022.

"Again, insinuations were made that the CMD awards contracts. This, to us is unfounded and a sheer exhibition of ignorance. It is on record that ALL contracts awarded in the hospital are in line with the extant Public Procurement Act, which the Bureau of Public Procurement regulates through the hospital’s Procurement Unit. 

"It is also worthy to note that Professor Victor Adebayo Adetiloye’s tenure in the hospital’s history has been devoid of any resentment or conflict, as he is constantly celebrated for his staunch adherence to due process and transparency. However, we are not oblivious of the distress this might have caused many unscrupulous characters.    

"To this end, we advise the public to kindly disregard all the fake news being circulated online as there is no infringement on the Public Service Rules by the Chief Medical Director. We are pleased to further assure the general public of the CMD’s commitment - as a law-abiding citizen - to continually act within the ambit of the law and the directives of his employer, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."