Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – A leadership crisis intensifies within the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos chapter as rival factions clash over the removal of Chairman Babajide Kehinde Saheed.
The association on Saturday announced that Saheed is removed over alleged constitutional breaches and failure to respond to a formal query, with First Vice-Chairman Ewunowo Femidire stepping in as successor.
Femidire says due process is followed during an emergency congress.
“The chairman was duly served a letter to explain constitutional infractions within seven days, but he did not respond,” he states.
He adds that the meeting meets quorum and voting requirements.
“We had 112 members present, far above the minimum required, and the two-thirds majority needed for removal was achieved,” Femidire says.
Describing his emergence as constitutional, he insists the transition is automatic, not interim.
“Where a chairman is removed, the first vice-chairman becomes substantive chairman,” he adds, pledging to restore unity and improve doctors’ welfare.
However, Saheed rejects the move, calling it unlawful.
“This action is unconstitutional and incapable of producing any lawful consequence,” he says, insisting he remains the legitimate chairman.
He urges members to disregard directives from what he describes as “unauthorised persons” and confirms plans for legal action.
“Appropriate steps, including legal action, are being taken,” Saheed adds.
The dispute exposes deep divisions within the Lagos NMA, raising concerns about cohesion among medical professionals amid broader healthcare challenges in the state.
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