The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State branch, has suspended its Secretary, Dr Jimoh Hassan, and other members of the State Officers Committee over alleged misconduct. The decision was announced on Friday after an Emergency State Executive Council meeting held on April 23, 2026.
Reasons for Suspension
According to a statement signed by the Chairman, Babajide Kehinde Saheed, the affected officials were sanctioned for their roles in what the association described as an “unconstitutional gathering” held on April 18, 2026, at Hall 36, Lagos University Teaching Hospital. The statement read, “Arising from the Emergency State Executive (SEC) Council meeting held yesterday, 23rd April, 2026, the Nigerian Medical Association Lagos State Branch resolved to suspend the Secretary of the State Branch, Dr Jimoh Hassan and other members of the State Officers Committee for their roles in the unconstitutional gathering of 18th April 2026 at Hall 36 LUTH, Idi-Araba.”
Violation of Rules
It added, “The SEC noted that the actions of Dr Jimoh Hassan and others violated relevant provisions of NMA Lagos State Rules and Regulations, and the Constitution of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).” The association also announced that, “the Deputy Secretary, Dr Olusola Soyinka Jnr takes over as the Secretary of NMA Lagos in acting capacity effective immediately.”
Protecting Integrity
Saheed said the decision was taken to preserve order within the body. “This decision was unanimously taken by the Emergency State Executive Council to protect the integrity of the Association and enhance accountability,” he said. “The Association reiterates its unwavering commitment to discipline, due process, and the preservation of its institutional integrity.”
Broader Leadership Crisis
The suspension comes amid a broader leadership crisis within the association, following a separate meeting held in Abuja on April 22, 2026. Reacting, the Lagos branch described the Abuja gathering as unlawful. It stated, “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Branch, strongly condemns and unequivocally denounces the unconstitutional, illegal, reckless, and highly unprofessional gathering of a few doctors held in Abuja on 22nd April 2026.” The branch added that, “any decisions, resolutions, or pronouncements emanating from such an illegitimate gathering are null, void, and of no consequence whatsoever.”
Accusations of Personal Interests
It further accused some members of pursuing personal interests, saying, “certain individuals appear to be more interested in the desperate acquisition of political positions within the Association than in the genuine welfare… of Nigerian doctors.” However, as of the time of filing this report, Dr Hassan and other affected officials have not publicly responded to the allegations or the suspension. Also, organisers or participants of the Abuja meeting have yet to issue an official reaction to the claims made by the Lagos branch.
