LASUTH: Accused Of Medical Negligence In Olatunde Ojelabi Death

• Olatunde Joseph Ojelabi, 46, died on September 12, 2026, six days after a road accident and alleged negligence at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
• His brother, Kolawole Ojelabi, claims Olatunde was left without emergency treatment for over six hours at LASUTH due to a lack of beds, leading to his deterioration and cardiac arrest.
• The family also alleges inadequate communication, requests to purchase cleaning supplies and carers, and being asked to personally check for ICU bed space.
• LASUTH management has publicly denied the negligence claims, stating Olatunde was assessed and managed by clinical teams upon arrival.
• The family is seeking answers and accountability regarding the emergency healthcare provided, questioning whether earlier intervention could have prevented his death.

The family's pursuit extends beyond their personal grief, emphasizing the need for accountability within emergency healthcare.

The family of Olatunde Joseph Ojelabi, a 46-year-old man, has publicly accused the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) of significant negligence following his death. Mr. Ojelabi sustained severe injuries in a road accident on September 6, 2026, on Ijegun Road in Ikotun, Lagos State, just a day before his 46th birthday. The incident occurred when a commercial tricycle reportedly made an abrupt turn, causing Mr. Ojelabi to swerve to avoid a collision. Although he managed to avoid the tricycle, his vehicle crashed into a stationary car. The impact deployed the vehicle's airbags, but the steering wheel struck Mr. Ojelabi's face, resulting in critical injuries, particularly to the right side.

Initially, Mr. Ojelabi was transported to a nearby private medical facility. However, due to the gravity of his condition, he was subsequently referred to LASUTH, arriving at the Medical Emergency Unit before 9 am. Tragically, he passed away on September 12, 2026, six days after the accident and five days after his birthday. The accusations of LASUTH medical negligence surrounding Olatunde Ojelabi's death were brought forth by his brother, Kolawole Ojelabi, in a poignant Facebook post mourning his loss.

According to Kolawole Ojelabi, his brother was allegedly left outside the emergency ward at LASUTH for more than six hours, with the medical team citing a lack of available beds. This alleged delay meant Olatunde Joseph Ojelabi did not receive what his family considered urgent emergency intervention during this critical period. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading him to convulse and ultimately suffer a cardiac arrest. Medical personnel eventually intervened, successfully resuscitating him and performing a tracheostomy to establish an airway.

Following these interventions, Mr. Ojelabi was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The family's ordeal continued with further distressing requests; they were reportedly asked to purchase a plastic bucket, towel, and detergent to clean up spilled blood on the floor. Kolawole Ojelabi also claimed he was instructed to personally ascertain if a bed space was available in the ICU. During the first three days of his stay in the ICU, the family bore additional costs, paying for carers and being asked to buy specific medications and arrange for various tests. A significant concern for the family was the alleged lack of adequate information regarding the purpose of certain medications and the overall treatment strategy. This communication gap prompted Kolawole to seek assistance from a senior doctor at LASUTH to brief him and his brother's wife on Olatunde's "still critically ill" condition and the interventions undertaken.

In response to the serious allegations of Lagos hospital emergency care negligence, the management of LASUTH issued a statement on its Facebook page, denying that Olatunde Joseph Ojelabi was left unattended. The hospital asserted that he was thoroughly assessed and managed by relevant clinical teams immediately upon his arrival following the road crash. Despite this official denial, the Ojelabi family continues to seek comprehensive answers regarding the circumstances of his treatment.

Kolawole Ojelabi has publicly questioned whether earlier intervention could have prevented his brother's deterioration, particularly highlighting the alleged delay due to bed unavailability for a critically injured accident victim. He also raised concerns about the promptness and appropriateness of emergency protocols, triage, and trauma assessments. The family's pursuit extends beyond their personal grief, emphasizing the need for accountability within emergency healthcare. Kolawole stated that any failures in the care provided must be confronted "honestly, transparently and without fear," underscoring the potential for a Nigeria medical malpractice claim if their concerns are not adequately addressed. This LASUTH patient death accusation highlights broader issues in emergency medical care.

This case highlights the significant litigation risk for healthcare providers in Nigeria concerning alleged emergency treatment delays and patient care negligence. Lawyers should advise hospital clients on robust emergency protocols, patient admission procedures, and clear communication strategies to mitigate potential medical malpractice claims and reputational damage.

Source: Original reporting via the family's public statements.