The Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice C. A. Ogbuabor, has granted an ex parte order in favour of some members of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State branch, restraining a faction of the association from parading themselves as the state executives of the body.

The interim order, issued on Monday, October 20, 2025, followed a motion ex parte filed by four senior medical practitioners—Dr. Sunday Okafor, Dr. Chima Edeoga, Emeritus Prof. Samuel Ohaegbunam, and Dr. Grace Bernard-Asdu—on behalf of members of the NMA Enugu State Branch, excluding those with “adverse interests” in the matter.

The defendants in the suit include Prof. Bala Audu, Dr. Ben Egbo, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebututu, Dr. Ushakuma Anenga, Dr. Wale Lasisi, Dr. Harrison Omokhua, Dr. Bature Mannir, the Incorporated Trustees of the NMA, and others allegedly parading themselves as executives of the association in Enugu State.

The motion, brought pursuant to Order 7 Rule 5 and Order 39 Rule 1 of the Enugu State High Court Rules, 2020, and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction, was supported by a 22-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Dr. Okafor. The plaintiffs attached several exhibits (A–G) and a written address to substantiate their claims.

After hearing the submissions of counsel to the applicants, Mr. Ndubuisi Okwesili, and considering the affidavit, exhibits, and other court filings, Justice Ogbuabor held that the depositions revealed a “compelling need” to grant the application.

Although the details of the restraining order were not immediately available, the ruling effectively puts on hold the activities of the faction claiming to be the NMA Enugu State executive pending further hearing of the substantive suit (Suit No. E/1327/2025).
The case is expected to return to court for further proceedings in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the defendants, under the auspices of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Enugu State and led by Dr. Chibuzo Ndiokwelu, on Tuesday held the 2025 Physicians’ Week celebration at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.

The event, themed “Healthcare as a Value Chain: Building Efficiency from Policy to Patient,” drew doctors, health professionals, and guests from across the country, with full representation from the association’s national leadership.

In a welcome address delivered on behalf of the NMA President, Dr. Bala Audu, by Dr. Benjamin Olowojebututu, the association urged both government and health professionals to strengthen every link in the healthcare value chain — from policy formulation to patient care.

Dr. Audu, in his address, said the theme of the celebration underscores “the urgent need for a coordinated, accountable, and effective health system where every component — from policy to patient — delivers measurable value to Nigerians.”

He lamented the persistent underfunding and fragmentation of the nation’s health sector, noting that Nigeria’s health expenditure remains around 4.08% of GDP, far below global averages.
“The consequence is a health system that is overstretched, underfunded, and underperforming. We must shift focus from inputs to outcomes — from counting facilities built to measuring lives saved,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the West African College of Physicians (Nigeria Chapter), Prof. BSC Uzochukwu, emphasised that governments must see healthcare as a vital investment, not a burden.
“To my fellow physicians, let us continue to uphold ethics, deepen research, and remember that our greatest strength lies in our humanity,” he added.

In his remarks, the Enugu State NMA chairman, Dr. Ndiokwelu, thanked the national leadership for their presence and pledged to “continue to lead NMA Enugu State aright,” even as the court order loomed large over the event.