By Our Reporter
Emure-Ekiti | July 30, 2025
In a demonstration of royal responsibility and heartfelt concern for the welfare of his people, His Royal Majesty, Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye, the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, on Wednesday morning, undertook a working visit to the General Hospital, Emure — a facility that serves as the primary healthcare provider for the community and surrounding areas.
The monarch’s visit was not ceremonial; it was a purposeful engagement aimed at conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the hospital’s operations, challenges, and needs. His presence, dignified and reassuring, brought a sense of hope and renewed commitment to both staff and patients.
On arrival at the hospital premises, the monarch was warmly received by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Ahmed, alongside other senior health personnel including Nurse Sesan Orolu and Nurse Omotoye. The hospital management team conducted the royal father on a comprehensive tour of the facility, walking him through various departments and units — from outpatient to emergency and maternity wings.
Dr. Ahmed used the opportunity to brief His Royal Majesty on the state of affairs in the hospital. He lamented the dire manpower shortage, especially in critical support services like security and facility maintenance. He also pointed out the absence of vital equipment and operational tools, which according to him, has significantly hampered the hospital’s capacity to provide optimal care.
Adding to this, Nurse Orolu voiced concerns over the lack of an ambulance, insufficient bedding materials and a general shortage of essential medical supplies. She passionately appealed for urgent intervention to avert further strain on the facility’s ability to respond to emergencies and cater to patients adequately.
Moved by the plight of the healthcare workers and the glaring infrastructural challenges, the Elemure expressed deep appreciation for the dedication of the medical staff who, in the face of hardship, have continued to serve the community with resilience and compassion. His Royal Majesty commended their efforts and assured them of his unwavering support.
He pledged to galvanize relevant stakeholders — including government agencies, well-meaning individuals, and organizations — to address the identified gaps. “This hospital is not just a building; it is a sanctuary of healing for our people,” he remarked. “We must not allow it to continue to suffer neglect. I will do everything within my capacity to ensure improvements begin to happen — and soon.”
The monarch also emphasized the need for a robust partnership between the traditional institution and the healthcare sector, adding that community development must be rooted in the health and well-being of the people.
The visit has already begun to spark renewed conversations around healthcare revitalization in Emure-Ekiti. Community members and health observers have lauded the monarch’s initiative, describing it as timely and exemplary.
Oba James Babatunde Ajiboye’s visit to the General Hospital serves as yet another testament to his proactive leadership style and enduring commitment to the welfare of Emure-Ekiti residents. His gesture is expected to yield meaningful results in the near future, beginning with increased awareness, collaboration and resource mobilization for healthcare development.
Indeed, with such visible engagement from the throne, Emure-Ekiti moves closer to the dream of a healthier, more vibrant community where access to quality medical care is not a privilege, but a right guaranteed for all.
