The management of the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has launched a formal investigation following a serious allegation of organ harvesting made by a patient, Mr. Joshua Afolayan. The hospital has swiftly constituted a seven-member panel of inquiry to look into the claims, which have sparked public concern.
Patient's Harrowing Account of Surgery
Mr. Joshua Afolayan brought his case to the public during a press conference held in Ado Ekiti. He explained that he was involved in an accident in August 2025. After seeking medical attention at EKSUTH, he was informed that one of his kidneys had been damaged. Scans conducted, including at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, confirmed that his right kidney was faulty while his left kidney was in perfect condition.
According to Afolayan, a surgery was scheduled for October 2025 to remove the damaged right kidney to protect his other organs. He stated that he was urinating normally just five minutes before the procedure. However, since that operation, he has been unable to pass urine.
Frustrated by a lack of clear explanations from the hospital, Afolayan decided to visit another medical facility for a fresh scan. The shocking result, he claims, was the discovery that he is now living without a kidney. He has appealed to the government to investigate thoroughly and save his life, as he continues to endure significant pain.
Hospital's Response and Panel Composition
Disturbed by these allegations, the Chairman of the EKSUTH Board of Management, Dr. Adedamola Dada, moved quickly to address the issue. A seven-man panel has been established to independently investigate the alleged case of unauthorized kidney removal.
In a statement released by Rolake Adewumi, Head of Corporate Affairs at EKSUTH, the composition of the panel was detailed. The panel will be chaired by Prof. Francis Faduyile, an Anatomic Pathologist from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
The other members appointed to ensure a balanced and credible investigation are:
- Prof. Patrick Temi Adegun of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti.
- Dr. Henry Abiyere from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido–Ekiti.
- Dr. Adebola Adeniyi–Agbaje, General Manager of Progress F.M, Ado-Ekiti.
- Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State branch.
- High Chief (Prof) Babatunde Akindele, the Elemo of Ado–Ekiti.
- Barr. Adebayo Titilayo, Legal Adviser to the Ekiti State Ministry of Health, who will serve as the panel's Secretary.
Deadline and Call for Cooperation
The panel has been given a strict timeline of ten days to complete its work and submit a report. The hospital management has reassured the public of its commitment to a transparent process, vowing to leave no stone unturned in determining the truth of the matter.
The statement emphasized that the panel members are independent and respected figures in the community who are expected to exhibit fairness and justice. All affected parties and the general public have been urged to cooperate fully with the panel as it carries out its crucial task.
The outcome of this probe is eagerly awaited, as it holds significant implications for medical ethics, patient trust, and the reputation of the teaching hospital.
