NMA Lagos crisis deepens as chairman is removed, successor installed amid dispute

…suspended chairman rejects removal

The leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has been plunged into controversy following the removal of its chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, during an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held on Saturday in Lagos.

In his place, the association’s 1st Vice Chairman, Dr. Temidire Ewonowo, has assumed leadership of the branch in line with the NMA constitution's provisions.

However, the ousted chairman strongly rejected the development, insisting the process was unconstitutional and invalid.

Officials at the EGM said the decision followed repeated violations of the association’s constitution and the chairman's failure to convene an emergency meeting requested by affiliate groups within the stipulated timeframe.

Dr. Ewonowo said the process was triggered after 10 affiliate heads and members demanded an emergency congress, citing constitutional breaches. He also alleged that the former chairman walked out of a previous emergency meeting held on January 13, 2026, and submitted an unratified delegate list. According to him, these actions amounted to procedural violations that necessitated disciplinary action.

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The decision to remove the chairman was taken through a secret ballot at the emergency congress. Out of 112 members and nine affiliate heads present, 93 voted in favour of removal, four voted against, while three votes were declared invalid. Officials maintained that the process met constitutional requirements, including quorum thresholds for affiliate and member representation. 

Dr. Ewonowo said, “This is in line with our rules and regulations. Section 8 clearly states that where a chairman is removed, the 1st Vice Chairman shall assume office.”

The new chairman pledged to stabilise the association and prioritise doctors’ welfare, stressing that the internal crisis must not derail professional advocacy. “We will work together with all affiliate groups and ensure a crisis-free regime,” he said. He added that the leadership would focus on protecting doctors’ rights and improving working conditions across Lagos health facilities.

Suspended chairman rejects removal

However, Dr. Saheed rejected the decision, describing it as unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. In a strongly worded statement made available to members, he insisted that he remains the duly elected chairman of the Lagos branch. 

“I reject in its entirety the purported claim that I have been removed as Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Lagos State branch. The so-called Emergency General Meeting and the process that followed did not comply with the provisions of our constitution and therefore cannot stand,” he said. 

He further argued that due process was not followed and that the decisions taken at the meeting lacked legitimacy.

The development has effectively split the Lagos branch of the association, with both sides insisting on constitutional backing for their positions. While the EGM insists that due process was followed, the suspended chairman maintains that the process was irregular and invalid.