Daud Olatunji
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has suspended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, following controversies surrounding the recent death caused by Lassa Fever in the state, PLATFORM TIMES has exclusively gathered.
Findings by PLATFORM TIMES revealed that Coker’s suspension, which took effect about three weeks ago, was initially meant to last one month.
However, the situation has continued to escalate, as internal forces, described by insiders as a “cabal” within the government, have reportedly blocked several high-level interventions aimed at resolving the matter.
A top source familiar with the development said Coker’s travails began after she allegedly made public announcements regarding the Lassa Fever case without obtaining final clearance from the state’s inner circle, despite informing the relevant authorities beforehand.
PLATFORM TIMES had reported that Lassa Fever killed one person in Ijebu-North local government area of the state .
The embattled commissioner had issued a press statement confirming the incident .
But, few weeks after she was accused of acting without permission from the government.
The source told PLATFORM TIMES “they issued her a query and when she responded, they claimed her reply was unsatisfactory. “That was when they moved for her suspension.”
PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that despite interventions from prominent personalities — including traditional rulers such as the Alake of Egbaland — appeals for her reinstatement have been repeatedly turned down by influential elements within the government.
“It’s not supposed to get to this level considering the calibre of people who intervened. But when thll even appeals from the Alake were ignored, you know there is more to it,” the source added.
Multiple sources within the government suggest that ethnic tension may also be fueling the situation.
Coker, an Egba indigene and a British-trained doctor with almost 27 years’ experience, is said to have “stepped on toes” of some powerful figures, who reportedly view her as “too daring” and assertive.
“There is animosity because the cabal is mostly from the other side of the state,” the insider noted.
“They see her courage and independence as a threat.”
The crisis reportedly deepened following a public event about two weeks ago when Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Ogun State.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that during the commissioning of a new building donated by a businessman, Chief Adebola Adegunwa at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Coker was initially sidelined for the vote of thanks.
“She insisted on doing the opening remarks herself after noticing her subordinate was billed to speak instead. That didn’t sit well with the cabal,” the source said.
“Even when they tried to stop her from joining the building inspection, it was the Vice President who insisted that she must be part of it.”
Beyond the public scenes, friction had reportedly been brewing for months over policy matters.
Coker had previously instituted a policy that all new structures at OOUTH should be built to expand unused areas of land.
However, when Adegunwa offered to donate a building, the cabal allegedly opposed Coker’s insistence on adhering to the masterplan, preferring instead to site the building on already-developed green areas.
“There was no missing money under her watch,” the source insisted. “She is hardworking, very detailed, and transparent.”
As the suspension lingers, there are growing concerns that the embattled Commissioner may not be reinstated at the end of her suspension, with insiders hinting that the cabal is keen on ensuring her permanent exit from the administration.
Efforts to reach the Ogun State Government for an official response as of press time proved abortive.
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