By DADA AYOKHAI
The leadership tussle at the newly established National Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, may have taken a dramatic turn following the surprise visit of one of the two contenders to the exalted post of the Acting CMD of the newly established Orthopedic Hospital, Benin, to the Edo State governor, Mr. Goodwin Obaseki.
Prof. Alfred Ogbemudia during the week visited the Dennis Osadebe Government House, Benin, on a courtesy visit to officially present his letter of appointment as the Acting CMD of the hospital to the governor.
He was accompanied on the visit by Prof. Ileogben Sunday-Adeoye, the Acting CMD of the National Obstetrics Fistula Hospital, Benin.
The National Obstetrics Fistula Hospital was among the two specialist hospitals established by the President Buhari-led federal government before it departed on May 29.
There is a fierce power play between two claimants who have laid claim to the post of the Acting Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the newly established hospital
The drama reportedly ensued following the presentation of the letter of appointment to the duo of Dr. Philip Ugbodaga and Prof. Alfred Ogbemudia
While the former Minister of Health, Dr. osagie Ehanire did not hide his support for Prof. Ogbemudia with the issuance of an appointment letter appointing him as the Acting CMD of the hospital.
Earlier, Minister of State for Health, Hon. Joseph Ekamanamam has in a ceremony rooted for Dr. Ugbodaga and also issued him an appointment letter .
Governor Obaseki warmly received the two Acting CMDs in his office and used the opportunity to reaffirm his administration commitment to convert the state into a medical hub.
An elated Governor Obaseki warmly welcomed the two Acting CMDs and also used the occasion to restate his administration’s vision to transform the state into a medical hub .
While applauding both men on their well-deserved appointments, the governor noted that their medical expertise is most needed at a time the state is thinking of ways to revolutionize and enhance healthcare delivery.
The governor also praised the federal government on its decision to site the proposed hospitals in the state and promised to work in tandem with the federal government to ensure the proposed hospital projects take-off on time
He said, “I want to thank the federal government, especially the outcome minister of health and the former president for this kind gesture. They put Edo State first and I want to assure here that posterity will remember them for their kind gesture.
“I want to also congratulate the duo of Prof. Adeoye and Ogbemudia on their recent appointment as the Acting CMD of the National Obstetrics Fistula Hospital and the National Orthopedic Hospital respectively”.
Though the final act of the unfolding drama as to who is the authentic CMD of the National Orthopedic Hospital is yet to play out, stakeholders believe, however, that by the time the new government settles down to business, the issue is one of those to be resolved
