By Chioma Obinna
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos State branch, has removed its chairman over alleged constitutional infractions and failure to respond to a formal query, electing Dr. Ewunowo Femidire as the new chairman, even as the embattled chairman rejected the move and described it as unconstitutional.
But in a swift reaction, the embattled chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, rejected his removal, describing it as unconstitutional and without legal basis.
Femidire, who until his emergence was the first vice-chairman, said the action followed due process as outlined in the association’s rules and regulations.
“Before now, I was the first vice-chairman, the first vice-chairman that was elected. The chairman was duly served a letter to explain his side regarding some constitutional infractions within seven days, as stipulated, but he did not respond,” he said.
He explained that after the expiration of the constitutional window, Congress, acting alongside affiliate group leaders, resolved to remove the chairman. “It was on that basis, and in line with our rules and regulations, that the Congress, in their wisdom, decided that the chairman be removed from office,” he added.
According to Femidire, the decision was taken at an emergency general meeting, the highest decision-making organ of the association.
“What happened today was a decision of Congress. We held an emergency general meeting, which is the highest decision-making body of the association,” he said.
He noted that the process complied with relevant constitutional provisions, including quorum requirements and voting thresholds. “We had 112 members present, far above the minimum of 30 required, and nine affiliate groups in attendance, exceeding the constitutional minimum,” he stated.
On the voting process, he added: “For any elected official to be removed, at least two-thirds of members present must support it. That requirement was met, and the decision is binding on all members.”
Responding to questions on possible legal action by the removed chairman, Femidire said the association respected individual rights. “If he chooses to go to court, that is within his rights. Democracy allows for freedom of expression and redress. However, we followed due process and gave him fair hearing as required,” he said.
Femidire clarified that his emergence was not an interim arrangement but a constitutional succession. “Where a chairman is removed, the first vice-chairman automatically becomes the substantive chairman. There is no acting chairman in this case,” he explained.
He added that the second vice-chairman would now step up, while a by-election would be conducted to fill the vacant position.
The new chairman pledged to prioritise doctors’ welfare, defend their rights, and strengthen unity within the association. “This is not an era where Lagos doctors will be subjected to dehumanising conditions. We will resist that vehemently,” he said.
He also emphasised improved communication with affiliate groups. “We will strengthen our communication network to ensure every doctor is carried along, no matter where they are practicing,” he added.
On internal crises that had plagued the association, Femidire promised a new approach. “We will not leave room for crisis. Our duty is to harmonise differences and work in the best interest of members.”
The NMA chairman also used the opportunity to criticise conditions in Nigeria’s health sector, calling on government to improve doctors’ welfare and infrastructure.
“The health sector is in a pitiful state. Government must be responsive to the needs of doctors and the masses. If you do not improve the living conditions of healthcare workers, then you are not serious about healthcare delivery,” he said.
Femidire confirmed that the new leadership would complete the existing tenure rather than begin a fresh term.
“We are coming on board to complete the tenure. General elections later this year will produce a new set of executives,” he explained.
However, in a swift reaction, the embattled chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, rejected his removal, describing it as unconstitutional and without legal basis.
In a press statement, Saheed said: “This action is not only unlawful but also constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution of the Nigerian Medical Association, which provides explicit guidelines and due process for the election, tenure, and, where necessary, removal of elected officers.”
He insisted that he remains the legitimate chairman, adding that the purported removal “is null, void, and incapable of producing any lawful consequence within the framework of the association.”
“The chairman was duly elected by the general membership of the association and remains the legitimate office holder. Any attempt to undermine this mandate through irregular and unauthorised means is of no effect,” he stated.
Saheed urged members to disregard directives from what he described as unauthorised persons and warned that legal steps were being taken to address the situation.
“We wish to assure members and stakeholders that the leadership remains committed to upholding the rule of law. Appropriate steps, including legal action, are being taken to preserve the integrity of the association,” he added.
The conflicting claims have deepened the leadership crisis within the Lagos NMA, raising concerns among members over the stability and direction of the association.
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