Crisis in Lagos NMA as Members Vote out Chairman

The Lagos State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has removed its Chairman, Babajide Saheed, following a decision reached at an Emergency General Meeting held on Saturday.

In line with the association’s constitution, the former 1st Vice-Chairman, Temidire Ewonowo, has now assumed office as the new chairman.

The decision to remove Saheed was taken through a secret ballot after members accused him of repeatedly violating the association’s rules and regulations.

Speaking after the meeting, Ewonowo listed several infractions, including the former chairman’s failure to convene an Emergency General Meeting within the stipulated timeframe after receiving a formal request from affiliate heads and members.

He also cited Saheed’s decision to walk out of a duly constituted meeting earlier in January, as well as the submission of a delegate list that was not ratified by the congress.

According to Ewonowo, the former chairman was given an opportunity to respond to the allegations within seven days, as required by the association’s rules, but failed to do so.

He explained that when the required meeting was not convened within the allowed period, members invoked the provisions of the NMA constitution to take a decision at the congress.

Ewonowo noted that the process followed due procedure, with 112 members and nine affiliate heads present—well above the minimum requirement.

Out of the votes cast, 93 members supported the removal, while four opposed it and three votes were invalid.

He emphasised that the Emergency General Meeting remains the highest decision-making body of the association and that the outcome reflects the collective will of members.