The Lagos State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has removed its Chairman, Dr Babajide Saheed, following a decision reached at an Emergency General Meeting held in Lagos on Saturday.

Following his removal, the association’s former 1st Vice-Chairman, Dr Temidire Ewonowo, has officially assumed office as the new chairman in line with the provisions of the NMA constitution.

The decision was reportedly taken through a secret ballot conducted by members during the emergency meeting, following allegations of repeated constitutional breaches by the former chairman.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Ewonowo said the leadership change was necessitated by several infractions, including the chairman’s alleged failure to convene an Emergency General Meeting within seven days after receiving a formal request from affiliate leaders and members.

He also accused the former chairman of walking out of a duly constituted Emergency General Meeting held on January 13, 2026, as well as submitting a delegate list that was not ratified by congress.

According to him, other concerns included referring members to a disciplinary committee based on decisions that were never approved by either the State Executive Council or congress.

“Before now, I was the 1st Vice-Chairman,” Ewonowo said.

“The former chairman was given a seven-day window to respond to allegations of constitutional breaches, but he failed to do so.

“There is also a requirement that an emergency meeting must be held within three days, which was not done. Based on this, congress and affiliate heads took the decision to remove him in line with the constitution.”

Ewonowo confirmed that his assumption of office follows constitutional provisions stating that the 1st Vice-Chairman automatically becomes chairman upon removal of the sitting chairman.

He added that the Emergency General Meeting was properly constituted, with 112 members and nine affiliate heads in attendance—surpassing the required quorum of three affiliate heads and 30 members.

According to him, 93 members voted in favour of the removal, four voted against, while three votes were declared invalid.

Ewonowo further stressed that the Emergency General Meeting remains the highest decision-making authority of the association.

The leadership crisis marks a significant shake-up within the Lagos NMA chapter, with stakeholders now watching closely for the next phase of stability within the medical body.