The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has plunged into crisis following the suspension of its secretary, Dr. Jimoh Hassan, and several members of the State Officers Committee. The disciplinary action was announced after an emergency State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on April 23, in response to what the leadership described as an “unconstitutional gathering” convened days earlier.
The controversy stems from a meeting organized on April 18 at Hall 36 of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba. According to the NMA Lagos leadership, the gathering violated provisions of the association’s constitution and the branch’s rules.
Dr. Saheed Kehinde, Chairman of NMA Lagos, explained that the SEC found Dr. Hassan and others culpable of breaching the association’s regulations. “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 in a press release.
He added that the decision was taken unanimously to safeguard the integrity of the association and enforce discipline among its members.
To address the leadership vacuum created by the suspension, the SEC appointed Deputy Secretary Dr. Olusola Soyinka Jnr as Acting Secretary of the Lagos 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 emphasized that the sanctions were necessary to maintain order and accountability, warning that it would not condone actions capable of undermining its institutional framework.
Dr. Kehinde reiterated that the emergency council’s decision was aimed at protecting the credibility of the NMA. “This decision was unanimously taken by the Emergency State Executive Council to protect the integrity of the Association and enhance accountability,” he said.
The leadership stressed its commitment to upholding due process and discipline, signaling that internal rules must be respected to preserve the association’s authority.
The suspension of key officers has unsettled one of Nigeria’s most influential professional bodies, raising concerns about unity within the medical community. The NMA plays a critical role in shaping health policy, advocating for doctors’ welfare, and influencing public health discourse. Internal divisions could weaken its ability to present a united front on pressing issues such as healthcare funding, medical training, and patient care standards.
Observers note that the crisis underscores the importance of internal cohesion in professional associations, particularly those with significant influence on national health systems. The Lagos branch, being one of the largest and most active, holds considerable sway within the national body, making the outcome of this dispute especially consequential.
Stakeholders within the NMA are closely watching how the situation unfolds. While the leadership has taken firm disciplinary measures, questions remain about whether the suspended members will challenge the decision or seek reconciliation.
For now, Acting Secretary Dr. Soyinka Jnr is expected to steer the branch through the turbulence, ensuring continuity in its operations. The association’s leadership has pledged to uphold accountability and discipline, but the coming weeks will determine whether the crisis deepens or gives way to resolution.
