Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has removed its chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, following an emergency general meeting held on Saturday. This decision was made through a secret ballot by members who cited repeated violations of the association’s rules and regulations. In accordance with the NMA constitution, Dr. Temidire Ewonowo, the former first vice-chairman, has assumed the role of chairman after Dr. Saheed’s removal.
The decision to remove Dr. Saheed was prompted by a series of alleged infractions. These included his failure to convene an emergency general meeting within seven days after receiving a formal request from affiliate heads and members. Additionally, he was accused of walking out of a duly constituted emergency general meeting on January 13, 2026, and submitting a delegate list that had not been ratified by the congress. Dr. Ewonowo also claimed that Dr. Saheed referred members to a disciplinary committee based on a decision that was never reached at either the State Executive Council or the emergency general meeting.
Dr. Ewonowo explained, “Before now, I was the first vice-chairman. The former chairman was served a letter by the affiliate heads requesting his response to these constitutional infractions within seven days, as provided in the constitution. He did not respond.” He noted that the three-day window for convening an emergency meeting had passed, which prompted the congress and affiliate heads to take action in accordance with the association’s rules and regulations. He emphasized that the emergency general meeting is the highest decision-making body of the NMA and that the process fully complied with the association’s constitution.
The meeting was attended by 112 members and nine affiliate heads, surpassing the minimum requirement of three affiliate heads and 30 members. Of the votes cast, 93 were in favor of removal, four opposed it, and three were declared invalid. This leadership change highlights ongoing tensions within the Lagos NMA regarding governance and adherence to constitutional provisions. Dr. Ewonowo’s immediate priorities include restoring confidence among members and ensuring compliance with the association’s bylaws.
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