By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has formally recognised Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed as the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the association, ending weeks of controversy over leadership in the state branch.

Meanwhile, the association had elected new national officers to steer its affairs for the 2026–2028 tenure, with Dr. Afekhide Ernest Omoti iemerging as president.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting and the Annual General/Scientific Conference and Delegates Meeting held in Kano from April 26 to May 3, 2026.

In the communiqué jointly signed by NMA President, Afekhide Ernest Omoti, and Secretary-General, Tamunokuro Ezekiel Diamond, NEC stated unequivocally that the Lagos leadership under Dr. Saheed remains the recognised executive.

“NEC noted that the State Officers Committee, SOC, of Lagos NMA led by Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed remains recognised,” the communiqué stated.

The association also condemned what it described as unconstitutional attempts by some members to convene a separate delegates’ meeting outside laid-down procedures.

According to the communiqué, NEC “noted with displeasure the gathering of delegates across various states and the FCT Abuja for a ‘delegate meeting’ whose convocation was not in line with laid down constitutional procedure.”

The council further frowned at what it described as the invasion of the NMA national secretariat in Abuja by some aggrieved members allegedly attempting to lock up the facility.

“NEC frowned at the invasion of the NMA Secretariat in Abuja by some members with an attempt to place it under lock and key,” the association said.

In a decisive move, the council resolved to sanction members involved in the disputed meeting.

“NEC resolved to refer some members involved in the unconstitutional convocation of a ‘delegates meeting’ to the National Disciplinary Committee while simultaneously placing them under suspension and reprimand,” the communiqué added.

The week-long conference in Kano focused on the theme: “Bridging Research, Policy and Practice: Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System for Resilience and Equity.”

The meeting attracted top government officials, healthcare leaders and stakeholders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by the Chief Medical Director of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Prof. Abdulrahman Abba Sheshe; Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf; and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate.

The conference also featured medical outreach programmes in Kano communities, where thousands of residents reportedly received free medical, surgical, and ophthalmological care.