Controversy Trails NMA Election in Lagos

Martins Ifijeh

The outcome of the election of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State chapter has thrown up two different executives, with each faction asserting claim to the leadership of the body in the state.

The two elections which were held separately in the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), threw up Dr. Odusote Olumuyiwa and Dr. Omojowolo Olubunmi respectively, with both arguing that they are the authentic chairman of the Lagos chapter of the association.

In a press briefing, the Olumuyiwa led faction said the elected executives from the election held in NIMR were the authentic NMA executives that would pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years, adding that it met all guidelines as stated by the constitution of the association.

Olumuyiwa, who noted that there were issues prior to last Thursday election, said the national body intervened by directing all parties to hold the election in a neutral venue apart from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, said that was why the electoral body and the Lagos doctors settled for NIMR, adding that other guidelines as stated in the constitution and directives from the national body were all adhered to strictly.

“It is unfortunate that some few minds went to LUTH to do a fake election. We will do all within our mandate to unite members of the association so that we can be able to deliver on our promise of giving global healthcare standards to Lagosians.”

He said six members of the outgone executives fully participated in the NIMR election, while only four were at the LUTH election which were held simultaneously, adding that the national body has given their backing to the NIMR election since it complied fully with the guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Dr. Omojowolo Olubunmi faction, who were inaugurated last Saturday, has insisted that it represents the real executive that would lead the affairs of the association.

Olubunmi, in his acceptance speech, called on all members of NMA in Lagos to unite so that the his tenure can bring progress to the health sector in the state.
“As part of our mandate, the task of uniting Lagos NMA family and interest must be achieved. We shall work with the national body and all the stakeholders for a positive reform,” adding that the body will facilitate universal health coverage, help in reduction of maternal and child mortality, as well as embark on regular health education in the media on prevention, treatment and management of diseases.

Speaking during the inauguration of Dr. Olubunmi-led executive, the immediate past Lagos chairman, Dr. Tope Ojo said there were no factions in NMA, adding that as an association, it was not out of touch to see few members with discordant tunes.

Ojo, who was apparently referring to the Olumuyiwa group, said any discordant voice that refused to comply with the association’s rules could not have been said to have conducted elections for the entire Lagos NMA.

Lending his voice, a former chairman of the association in 1997, Dr. George Okpagu, said he was at the inauguration of Dr. Olubunmi and his executive members because he believed the election that brought them up complied with the constitution of the association, while also advising all Lagos doctors to close rank with Dr. Olubunmi in other to achieve their mandate. He said he was unaware of any crisis in the association.