Osun Govt condemns APC chairmen’s unauthorized visits to healthcare centers

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun State Government has raised alarm over the unauthorized visits of purportedly reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Chairmen to Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) across the state, describing these actions as attempts to intimidate healthcare workers and disrupt essential medical services.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, the government alleged that one of the APC chairmen, Mr. Lanre Balogun from Ilesa East Local Government, conducted an unauthorized “working visit” to several PHCs, including Okeoye PHC (Ward 8), Irojo PHC (Ward 9), Okesa PHC (Ward 7), Ilemo PHC (Ward 4), and Ijamo PHC (Ward 5).

Akindele condemned the visits as illegal incursions and acts of lawlessness, warning all PHC staff to distance themselves from unauthorized visitors.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no local government official has the authority to inspect or interfere with the operations of our PHCs without express approval from the Primary Healthcare Board in Osogbo,” he stated. “Any genuine inquiry regarding healthcare administration should be directed to the appropriate authorities, not through unlawful, politically motivated intrusions.”

He further expressed concern over reports that the unauthorized visitors were accompanied by armed thugs, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within healthcare facilities. “This reckless behavior not only threatens our dedicated health workers but also endangers the lives of vulnerable patients who rely on these centers for critical care,” he added.

The Osun State Government urged residents to hold these APC operatives accountable for any harm inflicted on healthcare workers or disruptions to medical services. “We will not stand by while political desperadoes put innocent lives at risk,” the statement warned.

Healthcare workers were also advised to refuse engagement with unauthorized visitors. “If they appear at any facility, staff must immediately refer them to the Primary Healthcare Board in Osogbo and continue their duties without interference,” Akindele stated.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting public health institutions from political interference, the state government warned that any individual or group caught disrupting services would face the full weight of the law.

“We call on security agencies to closely monitor this situation and take decisive action against anyone found violating public order,” the statement concluded. “Osun State belongs to the people, not political thugs. We will continue to provide an enabling environment for quality healthcare delivery, free from intimidation, violence, or political harassment.”