By Chioma Obinna

The leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) deepened on Saturday as embattled chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed, rejected his reported removal, describing it as unconstitutional and without legal effect.

In a press statement, Saheed dismissed claims that he had been sacked by members of the association, insisting that due process was not followed and that he remains the legitimate chairman.

“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 said.

Saheed maintained that at no time were the constitutional provisions for removing an elected officer complied with, stressing that the move lacks legal foundation and institutional recognition.

“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 stated.

Reaffirming his mandate, the NMA chairman said he was duly elected by the general membership and cannot be removed through what he described as “irregular and unauthorised means.”

“The chairman remains in office and continues to discharge his duties fully,” he declared.

He urged members of the association to disregard any directives from individuals or groups he described as unauthorised, warning that steps were already being taken to address the situation.

“All members are advised to disregard any communication or directive emanating from unauthorised persons or groups,” he said. “Appropriate steps, including legal action where necessary, are being taken to address this breach and to preserve the integrity of the association.”

Saheed also called for calm among members, urging them to remain law-abiding and focused on the core objectives of the association, particularly the promotion of professional excellence and protection of public health.

“We will not be distracted from our mission by actions that threaten our unity and constitutional order,” he added.

The latest development comes amid a bitter leadership tussle within the Lagos NMA, following claims by another faction that Saheed had been removed over alleged constitutional infractions and replaced with a new chairman.

The conflicting positions have heightened tensions within the association, raising concerns over internal cohesion and the potential impact of the crisis on the medical body’s operations in the state.