The Ekiti State Government has taken decisive action following a disturbing investigation into alleged organ harvesting at a state-run teaching hospital. Authorities have dismissed a lead surgeon and suspended other medical personnel implicated in a controversial kidney operation performed on a patient, Joshua Afolayan.
Government Acts on Panel Recommendations
This move comes after the state received and reviewed the findings of a seven-member Panel of Enquiry. The panel, chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile, was constituted to investigate claims made by Mr. Afolayan regarding a surgical procedure at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).
Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, announced the government's position in a statement released on Friday. The government has ordered the immediate dismissal of the surgeon who held primary responsibility for the disputed surgery. Furthermore, all members of the surgical team present in the theatre that day have been suspended from duty for one month, pending a more comprehensive administrative review.
Support for Patient and Hospital Reorganisation
In a significant commitment to the affected patient, the state government has approved full medical support for Joshua Afolayan. The government will bear the complete cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr. Afolayan and will also fund his post-transplant care and related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
Dr. Filani also revealed that the government has sanctioned a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH. This overhaul aims to strengthen clinical governance, enhance accountability, and prioritise patient safety within the institution.
Patient's Ordeal and Government's Pledge
The case came to light earlier this month when Joshua Afolayan publicly accused doctors at EKSUTH of removing his kidney without his consent. Afolayan explained that after an accident in August 2025, scans confirmed damage to his right kidney while his left kidney was healthy. He alleged that during an October surgery to remove the damaged kidney, both organs were taken out.
Commissioner Filani stressed the administration's unwavering commitment to ethical standards. While acknowledging the many dedicated health professionals in the state, he warned that the government would not hesitate to act decisively when those standards are breached. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to restore public confidence in the Ekiti State health system and prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
The government has pledged to pursue necessary reforms to ensure EKSUTH functions as a true centre of excellence, thanking the public for their patience and reaffirming its commitment to quality healthcare and responsible governance.
