04/10/2026
Ogundipe Pays Royal Homage to Olosi, Commends Founders of Mercy Medical Center
The Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI), Prof. Kolawole Ogundipe, has honoured His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. (Sir) Stephen Babatunde Adegboyega Alabi, the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, during a courtesy visit to his palace on Saturday.
Prof. Ogundipe, who expressed that he had not had the opportunity to meet the monarch since he assumed position as CMD, said he took the occasion to personally greet and introduce himself as the new Chief Medical Director, adding that the visit will strengthen the hospital’s relationship with traditional institutions and communities within its area of services.
In his response, the monarch warmly welcomed Prof. Ogundipe and noted that he is the 30th Olosi, indicating the long-standing tradition of leadership within the community.
He congratulated the CMD on his recent appointment, emphasizing that his ability to consecutively lead three different teaching hospitals reflects his significant contributions and capabilities. Oba Adegboyega Alabi conveyed that had Prof. Ogundipe not excelled in his previous roles, he would not have been considered for this prestigious position again.
The monarch bestowed a series of royal blessings upon the CMD and urged him to remain mindful of his community's interests in the operations of the hospital, highlighting that safeguarding the welfare of his people is a primary responsibility.
Following the palace visit, Prof. Ogundipe participated in the official commissioning and dedication ceremony of the Mercy Medical Center, Osi-Ekiti, established by Bishop Sunday Olayinka and his wife, Princess Victoria Olayinka - the US-based couple from the community.
In delivering a goodwill message, Prof. Ogundipe represented the interests of the Chief Medical Director of ABUAD Multisystem Hospital, who he humbly described as his immediate successor, Prof. Akinola Akinmade, ably represented by Dr. Tolulope Adeyanju, as well as the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Center, Ikole-Ekiti, Prof. Johnson Dare Ogunlusi.
He congratulated the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, the community, and Mercy International for their efforts in bringing this project to fruition. He emphasized that the establishment of a new healthcare facility transcends mere construction; it represents an investment in human life, hope, and the future of the community.
"This is indeed a significant achievement. I commend the founders and the leadership of Mercy International for taking this bold initiative. As healthcare leaders in Ekiti, we must increasingly look beyond institutional boundaries for the future of healthcare, fostering collaboration through referral networks, shared expertise, training, research, technology, and ongoing quality improvement. I believe that Mercy Medical Center can play a vital role in this ecosystem," Prof. Ogundipe stated.
He further noted that as teaching hospitals, they bear the responsibility not only to provide specialized care but also to contribute to the development of human resources, professional training, research, and the enhancement of healthcare delivery across communities.
Prof. Ogundipe expressed optimism for meaningful collaboration between their institutions and Mercy Medical Center in areas such as professional development, clinical referrals, specialist support, medical education, and research.
Distinguished guests present at the official commissioning included the Owa Ajero of Ijero Kingdom, HRM Oba Joseph Adewole Adebayo, and the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, HRM Oba Captain Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, among others.
Accompanying the CMD were the Deputy Director of Protocol, Mr. Isaac Anifowose, the Chief of Staff to the CMD, Dr. Kamal Alabi, and additional staff members from the Information and Corporate Affairs Department of the hospital.
Information/Corporate Affairs Department,
FETHI.
