Over 1500 Sacked Workers Resume Protests at OAUTHC, Demands Reinstatement Amidst Test Venue Dispute
Workers sacked by OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, resume protests over management's refusal to reverse layoffs, triggered by a test venue relocation. The closure of hospital gates disrupts activities as dismissed employees demand reinstatement, prompting urgent intervention calls.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Over 1,500 workers previously laid off by the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, have resumed their protest due to the failure of the management to reverse the decision. The workers, aggrieved by the relocation of the suitability test venue, converged at the hospital premises on Friday morning, shutting down main gates and obstructing human and vehicular movement.
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The protest stems from the February layoff of more than 2,000 workers following allegations of job racketeering involving the hospital's management and some workers, as discovered by the Federal Government. Disrupting an ongoing suitability test for potential employment, the workers engaged in a face-off with security agents, resulting in arrests and subsequent releases.
A circular dated March 7, 2024, issued by the management, directed eligible workers to assemble for the suitability test at a military facility in Ede, Osun State, on March 9, 2024. The relocation prompted renewed protests as sacked workers regrouped, warning colleagues against participating in the test.
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In response, the protesting workers, represented by coordinator Adeyinka Owolade, called for an emergency congress, demanding the management's reconsideration and reinstatement. The group shut down the hospital gate, emphasizing their plea for re-engagement.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between OAUTHC's management and former employees, underscoring the broader issues of job security and procedural fairness within the institution.
