In a dramatic turn of events, over 500 former employees of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, have taken the hospital’s management to court, accusing them of “unlawful termination” of employment.
Represented by their legal counsel, Sola Ojutalayo, the embattled workers are demanding reinstatement and full payment of their outstanding entitlements.
The case, currently unfolding at the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, stems from allegations that the claimants, who were “employed between October and December 2022,” were abruptly dismissed without explanation on the 31st of January,2024.
They contend that the termination was sudden, unjustified, and did not follow due process.
During a gripping session on the 14th of January, 2025, the court examined four exhibits submitted as evidence, including critical documents outlining the claimants’ employment terms and agreed salaries.
Ojutalayo called one of the claimants, Samson Ogunleye, to the stand as a witness, adding weight to the case.
However, the proceedings took a contentious turn when the hospital’s counsel, Ejike Orji, challenged the validity of two exhibits, arguing they were “unsigned and therefore invalid.” Ojutalayo swiftly rebutted, asserting that Orji had overlooked the signatures on subsequent pages.
Justice John Peters, after careful scrutiny, admitted the exhibits, confirming they were duly signed and essential to the case.
He further noted that the documents clearly highlighted the employment terms and the salaries owed to the claimants.
Under cross-examination, Ogunleye revealed that he was not employed on probation and was unaware of any waivers issued to other staff.
Shockingly, he admitted that he had “not received any salary since his employment until the date of disengagement.” He further testified that no explanation was provided for the mass termination of employment.
The claimants, including notable names such as Samson Awosope, Olufemi Falope, Omowumi Fayemi, and 509 others, remain steadfast in their demand for justice.
They seek full compensation for their entitlements and a reinstatement of their positions, asserting that their dismissal was both “unlawful and unjustified.”
Justice Peters, emphasizing the gravity of the matter, adjourned the case to the 11th of February, for further hearings, granting both parties time to solidify their arguments and present additional evidence.
The courtroom drama continues as the fight for justice intensifies.