Babajide Saheed Kicks As Group Removes Him As Chairman
A leadership crisis has rocked the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Chapter, as the group and its Chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, bickered over his alleged removal.
NOP NIGERIA reports that Saheed has dismissed claims of his purported removal from office, describing the move as unconstitutional, unlawful, and without any legal standing.
In a press release he personally signed on Saturday, Dr. Saheed said his attention had been drawn to an announcement by a group of individuals alleging that he had been removed as chairman of the association in Lagos.
He, however, insisted that such action contravenes the provisions of the NMA constitution.
“This action is not only unlawful but also constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution of the Nigerian Medical Association, which provides explicit guidelines and due process for the election, tenure, and, where necessary, removal of elected officers,” he stated.
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According to him, “at no point were these constitutional provisions observed or complied with by the individuals involved,” rendering the alleged removal invalid.
The NMA Lagos chairman further described the move as baseless and in‘Baawosan,’ Veteran Medical Doctor, Tuyi Mebawondu, Bags Ancient Ejirin Kingdom’s Chieftaincy Titleeffective within the framework of the association.
“The purported action can best be described as an exercise in futility, lacking any legal foundation, constitutional validity, or institutional recognition. It is therefore null, void, and incapable of producing any lawful consequence within the framework of the Association,” he said.
Dr. Saheed emphasized that he was duly elected by the general membership of the association and remains the legitimate office holder.
He warned that any attempt to undermine the mandate given to him through irregular means would not stand.
“The Chairman was duly elected by the general membership of the Association and remains the legitimate office holder. Any attempt to undermine this mandate through irregular and unauthorised means is null, void, and of no effect,” the statement added.
Reaffirming his leadership, he assured members, stakeholders, and the public of the chapter’s commitment to due process and democratic principles.
“We wish to assure all members of the Association, stakeholders, and the general public that the leadership of the Lagos State Chapter remains committed to upholding the rule of law, transparency, and the principles of democratic governance as enshrined in the Association’s constitution,” he said.
The statement also outlined key positions of the association regarding the controversy. It stressed that the alleged removal remains unrecognised, having failed to follow constitutional procedures.
“The so-called removal constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution of the Nigerian Medical Association and is therefore not recognised. It remains nothing more than a figment of their imagination, lacking any constitutional or legal basis,” he declared.
Dr. Saheed further maintained that he continues to function in his capacity as chairman, noting, “The Chairman remains in office and continues to discharge his duties fully.”
Members of the association were also cautioned against acting on directives from unauthorized persons.
“All members are advised to disregard any communication or directive emanating from unauthorised persons or groups,” the statement warned.
He added that the association is already taking steps to address the situation, including possible legal action.
“Appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, are being taken to address this breach and to preserve the integrity of the Association,” he noted.
Calling for calm, the NMA Lagos chairman urged members to remain focused on the association’s core mandate.
“We call on all members to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused on the core objectives of the Association, which include the promotion of professional excellence and the protection of public health,” he said.
Dr. Saheed concluded by reiterating that the association would not allow internal disputes to derail its mission.
“The Nigerian Medical Association (Lagos State Chapter) will not be distracted from its mission by actions that threaten its unity and constitutional order,” the statement read, adding that further updates would be communicated through official channels.
NOP NIGERIA
