TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION BID MAY SUFFER SETBACK IN ONDO STATE
TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION BID MAY SUFFER SETBACK IN ONDO STATE
Fallout of Alleged Nepotism in the Ondo State Health Sector
Growing discontent within the Ministry of health and Ondo State Primary Health Care (PHC) workforce could pose a political challenge for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in future elections, with some workers reportedly expressing dissatisfaction over what they describe as “naked nepotism” in the state’s health sector.
Information circulating within the Ministry of Health and Ondo State PHC family suggests that some workers are prepared to mobilise their families, associates, patients and other eligible voters within their spheres of influence to vote against the APC in the next round of elections if their concerns are not addressed.
According to sources familiar with the development, the growing resentment is linked to alleged favouritism in appointments and concerns over career progression within the state’s health sector.
The workers reportedly attribute these concerns to decisions associated with the current Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Awolowo Ajaka, whose suitability for the ministry’s leadership has been questioned by many healthcare workers.
The aggrieved workers maintain that their professional advancement is at risk and have called on the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, to intervene urgently to address the situation before it escalates further.
Controversy Over Leadership of the Ministry of health & Primary Health Care Agency
At the centre of the controversy is the reported transfer of the Permanent Secretary Dr Francis Adegoke Akanbiemu who is due for retirement by April 2027 (about 6 months from now) to the Ministry thereby denying senior officers within the Ministry of health the opportunity to advance their careers and pilot the affairs of that Ministry, and the subsequent appointment of Dr Oluwole Emoruwa( an Ilaje) who got appointment as Provost, Ondo State College of Technology, Akure few months ago , whom the aggrieved workers claim lacks the requisite professional background, practical experience, and specialised managerial expertise in primary health care to lead the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) .
Many of the PHC workers claim they have been in PHC when no health worker wants to take up appointment in that sector and now when there is an Agency where they believe they can rise to the pinnacle of their career, the APC led government in the state is using nepotism to suppress their professional rise and progression.
They have questioned the rationale behind appointing someone they allege has neither worked within the PHC system nor acquired substantial experience in its operations to oversee an agency responsible for coordinating and strengthening primary health care service delivery across the state’s 18 local government areas.
They said there are qualified Directors and Assistant Directors within the Agency’s organizational structure. Why looking elsewhere?
According to the workers, the leadership of such a strategic institution requires a thorough understanding of primary health care administration, workforce management, community-based health interventions, public health planning, and the operational challenges confronting PHC facilities.
They argue that the appointment of a competent and experienced professional with a longstanding career in primary health care would be critical to ensuring effective service delivery, protecting institutional stability, and sustaining the progress made within the system.
Call for the Governor’s Intervention
The aggrieved workers have appealed to key stakeholders, include the Christian Association of Nigeria, The League of Imams & Alfas , Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Traditional rulers,and community leaders, to intervene by advising the Governor to reconsider the situation.
They are advocating for the appointment of an experienced officer who has spent a substantial part of their professional career within the primary health care system and possesses the requisite knowledge, competence, and institutional experience to manage the affairs of the OSPHCDA effectively.
According to their position, such an appointment would not only promote merit and fairness but also protect the career progression of existing personnel who have dedicated years of service to strengthening primary health care delivery in Ondo State.
Did the Governor Receive Incomplete Advice?
The workers have further alleged that Dr Banji Ajaka may have presented the matter to the Governor in a manner that did not adequately reflect the concerns and institutional realities within the PHC system.
They alleged that Dr Banji Ajaka is also recommending his former Special Assistant Dr Logo( an Ilaje) who was appointed as the State Malaria Elimination program officer about 8 weeks ago, to replace Dr Oluwole Emoruwa ( another Ilaje) as Provost , Ondo State College of Health Technology. What do we call this—NAKED NEPOTISM.
In a state blessed with many senior, dedicated, more experienced and more qualified medical professionals. Is it a sin to belong to another tribe in Ondo state?
They have therefore called for a fresh and objective assessment of the situation to halt the looming crisis and subsequent deterioration of services in that sector.
They insist that the Governor should carefully examine the professional qualifications, relevant experience, and career history of potential appointees to ensure that the leadership of the agency is entrusted to a person capable of advancing its mandate.
For the aggrieved workforce, the issue goes beyond the appointment of an individual. They contend that it concerns fairness, professional recognition, career progression, and the future effectiveness of primary health care services across Ondo State.
Political Implications for the APC
With future electoral contests on the horizon, the reported dissatisfaction among the PHC workforce presents a concern that the APC may need to address proactively.
Although the electoral consequences of the controversy remain uncertain, the workers’ reported determination to mobilise against the party underscores the potential political implications of unresolved grievances within the public service.
The Governor is therefore being urged to intervene decisively, ensure that merit and professional competence guide appointments, and address concerns about career progression before they develop into a broader political challenge.
Ultimately, the responsibility rests with the state government to ensure that decisions affecting the health sector reflect the principles of fairness, transparency, competence, and good governance.
The central question remains: Will the Governor heed the concerns of the Ministry of health and PHC workforce and ensure that the leadership of the OSPHCDA is determined by relevant experience, professional competence, and the best interests of the people of Ondo State?
Time will tell.
Further details will be reported as events unfold.
Temitope Silas Adesoji
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