Court intervenes in Lagos Central Mosque leadership dispute

In a dramatic legal showdown on Monday, the Federal High Court in Lagos intervened in an ongoing leadership crisis at the Lagos Central Mosque, issuing an order to maintain peace as Ramadan approaches.

The case, filed by the Registered Trustees of the Jamat-Ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria (Lagos Central Mosque), challenges the appointment of Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy as the Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council. 

The plaintiffs, represented by Dr. ‘Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argue that Alabi-Macfoy’s appointment was made without consulting the Chief Imam, the mosque’s spiritual leader.

A key point of contention is that Alabi-Macfoy has not been turbaned by the Chief Imam, making his claim to the title invalid. 

The dispute has escalated as both factions plan to host competing Ramadan lectures, raising fears of possible unrest.

The plaintiffs urged the court to issue an urgent preservatory order to prevent a breakdown of law and order, especially with Ramadan just days away. However, Alabi-Macfoy’s legal team, led by Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, and Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to intervene at this stage.

The first and second defendants’ counsel, Kunle Oyesanya, SAN, strongly opposed the application on jurisdictional grounds.

Despite these objections, Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from any actions that could incite unrest within the mosque.

The Court further ordered that since there is no dispute that the Chief Imam is the Spiritual Head of the mosque, the Chief Imam can proceed and should not be prevented from holding and overseeing the forthcoming Ramadan lecture of the Mosque and shall oversee all other mosque affairs, pending further court hearings.