Lagos State NMA Undergoes Leadership Transition After Emergency Meeting
The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has experienced a significant leadership change, with Dr. Babajide Saheed officially removed from his position as chairman. This decisive action was taken during an Emergency General Meeting held in Lagos on Saturday, April 19, 2026, following allegations of repeated constitutional violations by the former chairman.
Constitutional Succession Brings New Leadership
In accordance with the NMA constitution, Dr. Temidire Ewonowo, who previously served as the association's 1st Vice-Chairman, has now assumed office as the new chairman of the Lagos State branch. The leadership transition follows established constitutional provisions that automatically elevate the 1st Vice-Chairman to the chairman position when the sitting chairman is removed from office.
The decision to remove Dr. Saheed was reached through a secret ballot conducted by members during the emergency meeting, with the voting results showing clear support for the leadership change. According to official reports, 93 members voted in favor of the removal, while only four members voted against the motion. Three additional votes were declared invalid during the counting process.
Alleged Constitutional Breaches Prompt Removal
Dr. Ewonowo, addressing journalists after the meeting, outlined several specific infractions that led to the leadership change. The former chairman was accused of failing to convene an Emergency General Meeting within seven days after receiving a formal request from affiliate leaders and members, a requirement clearly stipulated in the association's governing documents.
Additional concerns included Dr. Saheed's alleged decision to walk out of a duly constituted Emergency General Meeting held on January 13, 2026. The former chairman was also accused of submitting a delegate list that had not been properly ratified by congress, bypassing established approval processes.
"Before now, I was the 1st Vice-Chairman," Dr. Ewonowo explained. "The former chairman was given a seven-day window to respond to allegations of constitutional breaches, but he failed to do so. There is also a requirement that an emergency meeting must be held within three days, which was not done. Based on this, congress and affiliate heads took the decision to remove him in line with the constitution."
Proper Meeting Procedures Followed
The Emergency General Meeting that resulted in the leadership change was properly constituted according to NMA regulations. A total of 112 members and nine affiliate heads attended the session, significantly surpassing the required quorum of three affiliate heads and thirty members. This ensured that the meeting had the necessary authority to make binding decisions for the association.
Dr. Ewonowo further emphasized that the Emergency General Meeting remains the highest decision-making authority within the association, with its decisions taking precedence over other governing bodies. The new chairman also addressed concerns about disciplinary procedures, noting that the former chairman had allegedly referred members to a disciplinary committee based on decisions that were never approved by either the State Executive Council or congress.
Implications for Medical Governance in Lagos
This leadership crisis represents a significant shake-up within the Lagos NMA chapter, one of the most influential medical associations in Nigeria's commercial capital. The transition marks a pivotal moment for medical governance in Lagos State, with stakeholders across the healthcare sector now closely monitoring the association's next phase of development and stability.
The Nigerian Medical Association plays a crucial role in representing medical professionals, advocating for healthcare improvements, and maintaining professional standards across Nigeria. The Lagos State branch, in particular, serves a large and diverse medical community facing numerous healthcare challenges in one of Africa's most populous cities.
As Dr. Ewonowo assumes leadership responsibilities, medical professionals throughout Lagos will be watching how the new chairman addresses the constitutional concerns raised during the emergency meeting while maintaining the association's mission of advancing medical practice and healthcare delivery in the state.
