The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association has been thrown into leadership turmoil following the removal of its chairman over alleged constitutional infractions and failure to respond to an official query, a decision that has been strongly contested by the embattled official.
At an emergency general meeting, members reportedly voted to remove Dr Babajide Kehinde Saheed and elected Dr Ewunowo Femidire, who previously served as first vice chairman, as the new chairman.
According to Femidire, the decision followed due process as outlined in the association’s constitution. He explained that the former chairman was given seven days to respond to allegations of constitutional breaches but allegedly failed to do so.
“The chairman was duly served a letter to explain his side regarding constitutional infractions within seven days, but he did not respond,” Femidire said, adding that the Congress acted in line with its regulations after the deadline elapsed.
He noted that the emergency meeting had full legitimacy, claiming attendance of 112 members and nine affiliate groups, exceeding the constitutional requirements for quorum. He further stated that at least two thirds of members present supported the decision to remove the chairman.
Femidire also clarified that his emergence as chairman was automatic under the association’s rules, stating that the first vice chairman assumes leadership upon the removal of a sitting chairman. He added that the second vice chairman would step up and a by election would be conducted to fill the resulting vacancy.
The new chairman pledged to prioritise doctors welfare, improve internal communication, and restore unity within the association. He also called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s health sector, describing current conditions as unacceptable and calling on government authorities to act decisively.
However, the ousted chairman, Dr Babajide Kehinde Saheed, rejected the decision, describing it as unconstitutional, null, and void. In a strongly worded statement, he argued that due process was not followed and insisted he remains the legitimate leader of the association.
“This action is not only unlawful but a clear violation of the constitution of the association,” Saheed stated, adding that any attempt to remove him without proper procedure has no legal effect.
He urged members to disregard the leadership ce and confirmed that legal steps were being considered to challenge the decision and protect what he described as his mandate.
The conflicting claims have plunged the Lagos NMA into a fresh leadership crisis, raising concerns among medical professionals over governance ility and the potential impact on ongoing welfare and policy engagements within the health sector.
Observers say the dispute could escalate into a legal battle if both sides proceed with their positions, further testing the unity of the association at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to face significant challenges.
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