The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Branch, has removed its chairman, Dr Babajide Saheed.
As a result, Dr Temidire Ewonowo has assumed leadership of the association as the new chairman.
The impeachment took place on Saturday in Lagos during an Emergency General Meeting of the association, following alleged repeated violations of NMA rules and regulations by Saheed.
It was reported that the decision for his removal was reached through a secret ballot conducted by members.
Following a majority vote to remove the chairman, the 1st Vice-Chairman automatically assumed office, as provided in the NMA constitution.
Shedding more light, the new chairman, Ewonowo, who was the former 1st vice-chairman, said the infractions that led to Saheed’s removal included a request by 10 affiliate heads and some NMA members for an Emergency General Meeting, and the former chairman’s failure to convene the meeting within seven days.
According to him, other breaches included walking out of a duly constituted Emergency General Meeting on Jan. 13, 2026, and submitting a delegate list that was not ratified at the same meeting.
He added that another infraction was referring members of the NMA Lagos State to a disciplinary committee based on an unfounded premise of a decision that was never taken at either the State Executive Council Meeting or the Emergency General Meeting.
“Before now, I was the 1st vice-chairman.
“The former chairman was served a letter by the affiliate heads to present his side regarding some of these constitutional infractions within seven days, as stipulated in the constitution, but he did not respond.
“There is a window period of three days within which an emergency meeting should be held. Following the failure to hold the meeting, which is today, it was on this basis and in line with our rules and regulations that the congress, alongside the affiliate heads, decided that the former chairman be removed from office.
“So, I am now the new NMA chairman.
“This is because Section 8(1) of the NMA rules and regulations clearly states that where the chairman is removed from office, the 1st vice-chairman shall become the chairman,” Ewonowo said.
Ewonowo emphasised that the process complied with NMA rules, which require a minimum of three affiliate heads and 30 members to be present at a congress where such a resolution is made.
He noted that the emergency meeting had 112 members and nine affiliate heads in attendance. A total of 93 members voted for the chairman’s removal, while four voted against and three votes were invalid.
According to him, the Emergency General Meeting is the highest decision-making organ of the association.
Affirming his commitment to serve, Ewonowo pledged to advance the association and resolve existing differences among members, noting that crises hinder growth and development.
He said the welfare of doctors and the progress of the association remain paramount.
“We have been elected as equals to lead the association.
“On that basis, we will work together as a congress.
“We will also work with the State Executive Council to ensure a crisis-free administration.
“For me, as someone who has held public office for a long time, I have always believed in the welfare of all members.
“This is not an era where Lagos doctors will have no rights in their workplaces or be subjected to dehumanising conditions. This association will resist that vehemently.”
He assured members that the leadership would do everything possible to protect doctors’ welfare.
“We will maintain open communication with all affiliate groups.
“Remember, the Nigerian Medical Association exists because affiliate groups came together to form what is now known as the NMA,” he said.
