By Johnson Adebowale
In a rare and symbolic meeting between traditional leadership and private healthcare innovation, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland, paid a landmark visit to Reddington Multi-specialists Hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos. The visit, which took place as part of his five-year coronation anniversary celebrations, was more than ceremonial; it marked the beginning of a potential partnership aimed at transforming access to quality healthcare for residents of Iruland.
Iruland, a historic Yoruba community nestled within Lagos State, is home to thousands of residents who often face significant barriers to accessing timely and affordable medical care. Many live far from major hospitals or lack the financial means to afford private healthcare services. Recognizing this gap, Oba Lawal has turned to one of Nigeria’s leading private healthcare providers, Reddington Hospital, to explore collaborative solutions that could bring world-class care closer to home.
During the visit, the monarch, accompanied by his wife, Olori Mariam Lawal, and several palace chiefs, toured the hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its intensive care units, diagnostic centers, and specialist consultation rooms. He praised the hospital’s cutting-edge technology, experienced medical personnel, and patient-centered approach.
“I am impressed,” Oba Lawal said. “Reddington represents what Nigerian healthcare can be when excellence meets compassion. I believe we can work together to replicate this model — even on a smaller scale — in Iruland.”
The proposed collaboration includes establishing a community-based health centre within the kingdom, offering subsidized services for indigent residents, and organizing regular medical outreach programs. Oba Lawal pledged full support from the palace, including logistical and financial backing, to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives.
One of the highlights of the visit was the monarch’s articulation of what he called the “Theory of Brain Circulation.” He applauded Reddington Hospital for its deliberate strategy of repatriating Nigerian medical professionals from the Diaspora. According to Oba Lawal, this policy not only strengthens local capacity but also reduces the country’s reliance on foreign healthcare systems — a move he believes will curb Nigeria’s growing medical tourism trend and stem capital flight.
Dr. Olatunde Lalude, Group Medical Director of Reddington Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership. “We share the Oniru’s vision of accessible, high-quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said. “If we can help build a healthier Iruland, we are more than willing to invest our time, expertise, and resources into making that happen.”
Mr. Emmanuel Matthews, Chief Operating Officer of Reddington, added that the hospital is fully aligned with the Oniru’s broader developmental agenda, particularly the ‘Let’s Grow Iruland Together’ initiative. “This visit is a testament to how traditional institutions and modern enterprises can come together for the public good,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with widening disparities in healthcare access, especially in urban peripheries like Iruland, such partnerships offer a promising blueprint for change. By bridging tradition with innovation, the Oniru of Iruland and Reddington Hospital may well be setting the stage for a new era in community-focused healthcare delivery.