Leadership Crisis Deepens in Lagos NMA as Rival Factions Claim Legitimacy
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – A deepening leadership crisis has engulfed the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association, with rival factions laying claim to the leadership of the association.
The dispute escalated on Monday after one faction announced the removal of Babajide Saheed as chairman over alleged constitutional violations, despite his recent reaffirmation by the association’s national leadership.
In a statement, the faction said Saheed’s removal followed what it described as a properly constituted emergency general meeting held on April 18 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
According to the group, members reviewed allegations against Saheed before resolving to remove him from office.
“The process was constitutional, valid and in accordance with the association’s regulations,” the faction stated.
It added that Ewonowo Temidire had assumed office in line with constitutional provisions of the association.
The faction further declared that Saheed no longer had authority to act or correspond on behalf of the Lagos chapter and warned stakeholders against engaging with him officially.
The development contradicts the position earlier taken by the national leadership of the NMA, which reaffirmed Saheed as the recognised chairman of the Lagos branch.
In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting and Annual General Scientific Conference held in Kano between April 26 and May 3, the national body stated that the Lagos State Officers’ Committee under Saheed remained recognised.
The communiqué was signed by Afekhinde Omoti and Tamunokuro Diamond.
Relying on the decision, Saheed had earlier insisted that his leadership remained legitimate.
“The recognition by the national body confirms the legitimacy of our leadership,” he said.
The conflicting declarations have exposed widening divisions within one of the association’s most influential state branches and raised questions over constitutional authority and control of the association’s affairs in Lagos.
Despite the dispute, both factions maintained that the welfare of doctors remained a priority.
The faction that announced Saheed’s removal also condemned growing harassment and assault of healthcare workers and expressed concern over delays in salary payments affecting medical practitioners across the state.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius