UBTH: Your Appointment Is ”Round Peg In A Round Hole”, Oba Of Benin Tells Ize-Iyamu

By Raphael Okhiria

The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, CRF, has blessed the newly appointed Chief Medical Director of the University Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu, urging her to make an impact in healthcare delivery.

Oba Ewuare II gave the advice when the Chief Medical Director led the management team of the Teaching Hospital to pay respect to the great Benin throne on Thursday at his Palace in Benin.

The first class traditional ruler, his Chiefs and the Benin Royal family congratulated the new CMD of UBTH on her appointment and pledged his palace support to her management team.

While acknowledging the positive role of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Oba Ewuare II also thanked President Bola Tinubu for putting merit above sentiments and finding Prof Idia Enibokun Ize-Iyamu worthy of the appointment, which he described as a “round peg in a round hole”.

The Benin monarch, however appealed to the UBTH management team to support the Chief Medical Director, whom he explained has “done very well in representing the female Gender.

“You a professional. Congratulations, madam. It’s befitting that you are the Chief Medical Director of UBTH.

“We are happy that you were chosen. We know that you will do your best to make UBTH success.

“Be assured that you have our support.

“I am also glad that there is no gender discrimination in UBTH as the first female Chief Medical Director,” Oba Ewuare II said to the delight of his guests and Palace Chiefs.

Addressing the Benin throne, the Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu stated that the management was in the Palace to formally inform the Oba about her appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

The CMD sought Royal blessings in the task of providing leadership and highlighted her transformative mission statement towards strengthening healthcare and improving medical services at the tertiary health facility.

Prof. Ize-Iyamu was appointed by President Bola Tinubu and assumed duty on the 18th of August 2025 as the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).