The Ekiti State government has taken decisive disciplinary action against medical personnel at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) following a damning investigative report into a case of alleged organ harvesting.
Surgeon Dismissed, Team Suspended After Probe
In a swift move, the state government has dismissed the lead surgeon with immediate effect from the service of EKSUTH. This decision came after the submission of a report by a seven-member investigation panel chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile to the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani.
The panel was constituted on December 9, 2025, precisely eleven days before the announcement, to probe serious allegations made by a patient, Mr. Joshua Afolayan. Mr. Afolayan claimed his kidneys were removed during a surgical procedure at the teaching hospital without his consent.
Government Approves Stringent Measures and Victim Support
Following a careful review of the panel's findings, the state government approved a series of actions aimed at justice and systemic reform. Apart from the surgeon's dismissal, all members of the surgical team present in the operating theatre on the day have been suspended from duty for one month. This suspension is pending a further administrative review of their conduct.
In a significant commitment to the victim, the Ekiti State government announced it will bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr. Afolayan. The state will also take responsibility for his post-transplant care and all transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
Overhaul Planned for EKSUTH Systems
To prevent a recurrence, the government has mandated a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH. This overhaul is designed to strengthen clinical governance, enhance accountability, and fortify patient safety protocols as recommended by the investigative panel.
Commissioner Filani, in a statement, reiterated the government's support for the majority of dedicated health professionals at EKSUTH while making it clear that breaches of professional standards would not be tolerated. He stated the government's resolve to protect patients, uphold ethical healthcare delivery, and restore public trust in the state's health system.
"Necessary reforms will be pursued to ensure that incidents of this nature do not re-occur and that EKSUTH continues to serve as a centre of excellence in patient care," Filani assured. The government also thanked the people of Ekiti for their patience and reaffirmed its commitment to quality healthcare and responsible governance.
