In a show of compassion and solidarity, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the revered Ooni of Ife, has stepped in to support disengaged staff members of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife. Addressing a gathering of concerned youths at his palace on Monday, the monarch announced a significant donation of N10 million along with 1,000 bags of rice to aid the affected individuals.
Expressing his empathy for their plight, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi assured the aggrieved workers that he is actively engaged in seeking a resolution to their grievances. He emphasized the importance of employing wisdom in their pursuit of justice, urging them to remain steadfast in their efforts.
“I am dedicating myself and the ancient throne of Oduduwa to fight this fight to a logical conclusion,” the Ooni declared, rallying support for the cause. “You have honored me, and I pray that God will honor you all.”
Acknowledging the workers’ demonstration of integrity by allowing hospital operations to resume following his intervention, the monarch pledged ongoing support for their endeavors, affirming his commitment to championing their cause beyond the confines of OAUTHC.
In response, Samson Falope, speaking on behalf of the disengaged workers, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ooni for his timely intervention. Falope recounted the challenges faced by the affected individuals, highlighting the abrupt termination of their employment and the financial hardships endured as a result.
According to Falope, the disengagement circular issued by the hospital management on January 31, 2024, affected over 1,500 workers, many of whom had dedicated years of service to the institution without adequate compensation. Despite their attempts to engage with hospital authorities, including Chief Medical Director Prof. John Okeniyi, their grievances remained unaddressed.
In the face of adversity, the benevolent gesture from the Ooni of Ife serves as a beacon of hope, providing much-needed relief and reassurance to those impacted by the recent developments at OAUTHC.
