Lagos doctors adopt e-voting as Okunade emerges NMA chairman
By Chioma Obinna
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Branch, has elected Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Sharafadeen Kehinde Okunade, as its new chairman following the association’s first electronic election conducted under its newly amended bye-laws.
Okunade will lead an executive comprising Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam as First Vice Chairman, Dr. Olabisi Olanrewaju as Second Vice Chairman, Dr. Chinedum Eluogu as Secretary, Dr. Olunike Ogundare as Deputy Secretary, Dr. Morolayo Kikelomo Onamusi as Treasurer, Dr. Adeola Salawu as Publicity Secretary, Dr. Korede Hunpatin as Social Secretary, Dr. Aishat Bello-Taslim as Financial Secretary and Dr. Olanrewaju Obadeyi as Internal Auditor.
The election, held on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, marked a major milestone for the association after members approved amendments to the Lagos State branch’s Rules and Regulations, introducing electronic voting and establishing a Welfare Trust Fund.
The amendments were adopted during the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held as part of activities marking the end of the 2024–2026 administration of the immediate past chairman, Dr. Babajide Kehinde Saheed.
The electronic voting system was used to elect the new State Officers Committee (SOC) in an exercise conducted by the national leadership of the NMA under its President, Prof. Akhinde Ernest Omoti.
Okunade, became the first chairman elected under the new electronic voting system.
Speaking on the outcome of the election, the immediate past chairman, Dr. Saheed, urged the incoming executive to prioritise the welfare and security of members.
He said the new chairman should consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing administration and complete initiatives that were started but not concluded during his tenure.
The election followed the opening ceremony and scientific conference held on July 27, which commenced activities marking the end of Dr. Saheed’s tenure.
One of the major resolutions adopted at the AGM was the establishment of a Welfare Trust Fund to strengthen support for doctors and improve members’ welfare.
Members also described the introduction of electronic voting as a significant governance reform that would enhance transparency, participation and credibility in the association’s electoral process.