NMA Lagos chapter removes chairman Babajide Saheed after welfare and governance disputes, appoints Temidire Ewonowo as new leader
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State chapter has undergone a leadership transition following the removal of chairman Babajide Saheed after weeks of internal disputes. The crisis escalated after an Emergency General Meeting on April 15, 2026, where over 200 members raised concerns about non-implementation of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), delays in implementing approved retirement age for healthcare workers, and non-payment of rural allowances to doctors under the Primary Health Care Board. Members also condemned persistent harassment of medical practitioners by law enforcement agencies.
Beyond welfare issues, the meeting exposed governance disputes including alleged procedural breaches in meeting handling, controversies over a delegates' list for the 2026 Annual Delegates' Meeting in Kano, and disciplinary actions taken without proper resolutions. Although Saheed provided explanations, tensions persisted, leading a faction to move for his removal—which he rejected as unconstitutional prior to the eventual outcome. In a press statement on April 18, 2026, he maintained he remained the duly elected chairman.
The NMA national secretariat intervened, stating it would only recognize constitutionally valid proceedings. Following the decision at a subsequent emergency meeting, Temidire Ewonowo was appointed as the new chairman of the Lagos State chapter. This leadership change affects medical practitioners across Lagos State as the association addresses ongoing welfare concerns and internal governance challenges.
Will this leadership transition effectively address the welfare issues raised by members, including CONMESS implementation and protection from law enforcement harassment, or will internal disputes continue to hinder the association's ability to serve Lagos State's medical professionals?