Lagos NMA congress removes chairman, cites constitutional compliance in leadership transition

The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has removed its chairman following an emergency general meeting (EGM), with the Congress insisting the decision was taken in strict compliance with the association’s constitution.

The leadership change, ratified at what the association describes as its highest decision making organ, marks a significant shift within one of Nigeria’s most influential professional bodies.

Ewonowo Temidire, who has now assumed office as chairman, said the process leading to the removal followed clearly defined constitutional provisions after allegations of infractions were raised against the former chairman.

Temidire explained that the move was initiated through provisions of Sections 11 and 12 of the association’s rules and regulations, which allow either the State Executive Council or affiliate groups to demand an emergency general meeting.

According to him, 11 affiliate groups, alongside more than 20 members, formally requested the EGM, exceeding the constitutional threshold required to trigger such a process. “The chairman was duly served with a request to convene an emergency general meeting. After the statutory seven-day period elapsed without compliance, the constitution allows the meeting to proceed automatically,” he said.

At the meeting, Temidire said all procedural requirements were met. A total of 112 members were present, significantly above the minimum quorum of 30 members stipulated in the rules. He added that nine affiliate groups attended the meeting, surpassing the minimum requirement of three affiliate bodies.

Citing Section 7 of the regulations, he noted that removal of an elected officer requires a two-thirds majority of members present at a general meeting. “That constitutional threshold was met. Once achieved, the resolution becomes binding on all members of the association,” he said.

Following the removal, Temidire said the association’s constitution provides for an automatic succession process, with the first vice-chairman assuming the role of chairman.
He explained that the position of second vice-chairman has now become vacant and will be filled through a by-election in line with Section 8 of the rules. “There is no vacuum in leadership. The transition is clearly defined within our constitutional framework,” he said.

The new chairman acknowledged that the Lagos chapter of the association had experienced prolonged internal tensions, which he described as detrimental to its effectiveness.

He said the disputes, which had persisted for months, created divisions within the leadership and affected the association’s ability to deliver on its mandate. “For any organisation, sustained internal conflict undermines performance. Our priority is to restore unity and ensure the association functions effectively in the interest of members,” he said.

Temidire added that the new leadership would prioritise engagement with affiliate groups and improve communication across all levels of the association.

He also outlined a renewed focus on members’ welfare, stressing that the association would intensify efforts to protect doctors from poor working conditions, harassment, and unjust professional scrutiny.

While emphasising accountability, he noted that the association would not tolerate violations of due process in handling allegations of medical negligence. “We will defend our members where necessary, but we will also uphold professional standards and ethical responsibility,” he said.

On the possibility of a legal challenge by the removed chairman, Temidire said such action would be within his rights. “Democracy allows for redress. If he believes his rights were violated, he is free to approach the courts. However, the association has acted within its constitutional provisions,” he said.

Temidire clarified that while the Nigerian Medical Association operates under a national constitution, state chapters retain autonomy to manage their internal affairs within established rules. He said the Lagos chapter would formally communicate the outcome of the meeting to the national secretariat for record purposes.

Beyond the leadership crisis, the association used the platform to highlight broader concerns within Nigeria’s health sector, particularly inadequate funding, poor working conditions, and the growing migration of medical professionals.

Temidire described current budgetary allocation to healthcare as insufficient, warning that it continues to weaken service delivery and worsen health outcomes, especially maternal mortality. “ I can confirm that maternal mortality remains high. This reflects the broader challenges within the system, including inadequate funding and manpower,” he said.

He further linked the ongoing exodus of doctors to poor welfare conditions, noting that many healthcare professionals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities. “Doctors are underpaid and lack basic welfare support in areas such as housing, transportation, and general living standards. This is driving migration,” he said.

The association called on government at all levels to prioritise the health sector by increasing funding, improving working conditions, and implementing policies that support retention of skilled professionals.

Temidire stressed that improving the welfare of healthcare workers is critical to strengthening the system and delivering better outcomes for patients. “If we do not improve conditions for healthcare workers, the system will continue to lose its best hands, and healthcare delivery will remain under pressure,” he warned.