Lagos Central Mosque Crisis: Court Orders Chief Imam To Take Charge Of Ramadan Lecture Avoid Clash Between Factions
In a dramatic legal showdown, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has intervened in a leadership crisis rocking the Lagos Central Mosque.
The dispute, involving the appointment of Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy as the Baba Adinni and Chairman of the Executive Council, has sparked widespread controversy within the mosque’s administration.
The case was brought before the court by the Registered Trustees of the Jamat-Ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria (Lagos Central Mosque), who challenged the appointment of Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy, arguing that it was done without proper consultation with the Chief Imam, the spiritual leader of the mosque. Representing the Plaintiffs, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, contended that Alabi-Macfoy cannot assume the role of Baba Adinni without being turbaned by the Chief Imam.
The dispute intensified with the impending Ramadan lecture, as both the Chief Imam and Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy had scheduled competing events, raising concerns about potential unrest. The Plaintiffs urged the court to exercise its inherent powers to maintain order, emphasizing the critical need to preserve peace, especially during the sacred month of Ramadan.
On the opposing side, the defense, represented by Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, and Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN, argued that the court should first address jurisdictional objections before issuing any orders. Counsel for the 1st and 2nd defendants, Mr. Kunle Oyesanya, SAN, vehemently opposed the Plaintiff’s application, insisting that the matter of jurisdiction must be determined before substantive issues could be addressed.
Presiding over the matter, Honourable Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa ruled in favor of maintaining the status quo. The court ordered all parties to refrain from any actions that might lead to a breakdown of law and order, particularly concerning the organization of the Ramadan lecture. The ruling emphasized that since the Chief Imam is undisputedly the spiritual head of the mosque, he retains authority over the organization of the lecture and other mosque affairs.
Additionally, the Plaintiffs sought interlocutory injunctions to prevent Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy from acting as Baba Adinni or managing the affairs of the mosque. They also requested the appointment of interim caretakers to oversee the mosque’s operations pending the determination of the suit.
During the hearing, Mr. Bisi Oyesanya, SAN, representing the 1st and 2nd defendants, filed a notice of objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction. However, Dr. Pinheiro and Dr. Banire countered that the immediate concern was maintaining peace, given the proximity of Ramadan. Supporting this stance, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and Efe Ize-Iyamu, representing the 5th defendant, backed the plea for maintaining order.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa, in his ruling, stressed the importance of preventing conflict within the mosque community. He directed all parties to desist from actions that could incite violence or crisis, reaffirming the Chief Imam’s role as the rightful overseer of the Ramadan lecture.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing on March 3, 2025.
