Governor Dapo Abiodun has suspended Ogun Health Commissioner Tomi Coker over controversies linked to a Lassa Fever outbreak#
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f the news reaching Freelanews is anything to go by, there are indications that some certain elements are making moves to bury the career of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, following controversies linked to a recent Lassa Fever death in the state.
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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State suspended the commissioner following the controversies.
The suspension was expected to take effect about three weeks ago and initially intended to last one month.
However, the situation has worsened as internal political forces, described as a “cabal,” have allegedly blocked multiple high-level interventions to resolve the matter.
Sources familiar with the incident said Coker’s troubles began when she confirmed the Lassa Fever case publicly without final clearance from the state’s inner circle, despite informing relevant authorities beforehand.
Recall that the death of a Lassa Fever patient in Ijebu-North Local Government Area was reported.
Following her announcement, Coker was queried and later suspended after her response was deemed “unsatisfactory” by the government.
Even interventions from respected figures, including the Alake of Egbaland, have failed to overturn her suspension.
“It’s not supposed to get to this level considering the calibre of people who intervened. But when even appeals from the Alake were ignored, you know there is more to it,” a source revealed.
“There was no missing money under her watch. She is hardworking, very detailed, and transparent.”
Insiders hint that ethnic tensions and personal grudges are intensifying the crisis.
Coker, an Egba indigene and British-trained doctor with 27 years’ experience, is seen by some as “too daring” and “independent,” unsettling certain powerful groups within the administration.
Tensions reportedly escalated during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent visit to Ogun State.
Coker, initially sidelined for a speaking role at a commissioning event in Sagamu, insisted on delivering opening remarks herself.
Despite attempts to marginalise her, the Vice President reportedly demanded her inclusion during a building inspection.
Beyond these public incidents, frictions over policy have simmered for months.
Coker had insisted that new structures at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) be built on unused land, a move opposed by elements within the government who wanted otherwise.
“There was no missing money under her watch,” an insider stressed. “She is hardworking, very detailed, and transparent.”
With the suspension dragging on, concerns are rising that Coker may not return to her position, as powerful forces within the government reportedly push for her permanent removal.
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Efforts to obtain an official comment from the Ogun State Government were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
