Kogi NMA Chairman and Three EXCO Members Ousted in Major Impeachment Move

The suspended Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kogi State branch, Dr. Baoku Olusola, along with three other Executive Committee (EXCO) members, has been officially impeached from office. This decisive action took place during the ongoing 2024 Kogi NMA Annual General Meeting, held on Saturday in Lokoja.

The impeachment follows serious allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office against Dr. Olusola and the three EXCO members. The State Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Dr. Austin Ojotule, presented the findings that led to their removal.

“The State Disciplinary Committee noted the refusal of the suspended Chairman, Treasurer, Director of Social Welfare, and Financial Secretary to defend themselves despite ample opportunities given to them,” Dr. Ojotule stated. “This refusal is seen as a gross abuse of the privileges they were accorded and an acceptance of guilt regarding the allegations.”

Among the key issues highlighted in the report were Dr. Olusola’s failure to convene a State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting for six months, a violation of the NMA’s bye-laws, and his unilateral actions without proper authorization. This includes petitioning members of the association and engaging a lawyer in the name of the NMA without necessary approvals.

Further complicating the matter, the committee reported that Dr. Olusola did not comply with directives from the Abuja NMA National Executive Council (NEC) to resolve internal crises. Additionally, the NMA’s account dealings remained inaccessible to the committee due to a freeze on the account, leaving financial activities under suspicion.

Following a voting session attended by 80 medical doctors, 72 members voted in favor of the impeachment, solidifying the decision to remove Dr. Olusola and the three other EXCO members from office. The impeachment took effect from the date of their initial suspension.

The committee has also recommended the formation of an audit committee by the incoming EXCO to review the association’s financial dealings.

This significant development marks a turning point for the Kogi State NMA, as the association moves forward to restore integrity and accountability within its leadership.