NMA Lagos: Secretary, others suspended over ‘unconstitutional gathering’

By Chioma Obinna

Crisis has erupted within the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos State branch, following the suspension of its secretary, Dr. Jimoh Hassan, and several members of the State Officers Committee over what the leadership described as an “unconstitutional gathering.”

The decision, announced in a press statement issued on Friday after an emergency State Executive Council, SEC, meeting held on April 23, stemmed from events surrounding a controversial meeting convened on April 18 at Hall 36 of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.

Chairman of NMA Lagos, Dr. Saheed Kehinde, said the SEC found Dr. Hassan and others culpable of violating provisions of the association’s constitution and the Lagos State branch rules.

“The actions of Dr. Jimoh Hassan and others violated relevant provisions of NMA Lagos State Rules and Regulations, and the Constitution of the Nigerian Medical Association,” Kehinde stated.

He added that the emergency council took the decision unanimously to safeguard the integrity of the association and enforce discipline within its ranks.

In a swift move to fill the leadership vacuum, the council announced the immediate appointment of the Deputy Secretary, Dr. Olusola Soyinka Jnr, as Acting Secretary of the branch.

“Consequently, the SEC resolved that the Deputy Secretary, Dr. Olusola Soyinka Jnr, takes over as the Secretary of NMA Lagos in acting capacity effective immediately,” the statement read.

The association stressed that the sanctions were necessary to maintain order and accountability, warning that it would not tolerate actions capable of undermining its institutional framework.

“This decision was unanimously taken by the Emergency State Executive Council to protect the integrity of the Association and enhance accountability,” Kehinde said.

Reaffirming its stance, the NMA Lagos leadership reiterated its commitment to upholding due process and discipline, even as stakeholders await further developments on the crisis that has unsettled one of the country’s most influential professional bodies.