The Federal High Court in Lagos has intervened in a leadership crisis at the Lagos Central Mosque, issuing an order to ensure peace is maintained as the holy month of Ramadan draws near. The dispute centres on the appointment of Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy as the Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the mosque’s Executive Council.
The case, filed by the Registered Trustees of the Jamat-Ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria (Lagos Central Mosque), challenges the legitimacy of Alabi-Macfoy’s appointment, arguing that it was made without the consultation of the mosque’s Chief Imam, the spiritual leader of the mosque.
The plaintiffs, who are members of the Lagos Central Mosque leadership, argue that the appointment of Alabi-Macfoy lacks proper procedural authority. Dr. ‘Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, who represents the plaintiffs, has made it clear that a central issue in the case is the failure to consult the Chief Imam before the appointment was made. The plaintiffs argue that this oversight makes Alabi-Macfoy’s claim to the position invalid.
A major point of contention in the dispute is the fact that Alabi-Macfoy has not been turbaned by the Chief Imam, a traditional and spiritual rite that would formally recognise his position. The plaintiffs claim that without this significant ceremony, Alabi-Macfoy’s appointment cannot be considered legitimate. This matter has caused deep divisions within the mosque, with both sides preparing to host competing Ramadan lectures, creating fears of unrest in the community.
As Ramadan approaches, the plaintiffs sought an urgent preservatory order from the court to prevent any potential breakdown of order within the mosque. Ramadan, the most significant month in the Islamic calendar, is a time for prayer, reflection, and community gatherings. The dispute over leadership could threaten the peaceful observance of the month, especially if the factions within the mosque continue to clash.
Dr. Pinheiro urged the court to act swiftly and decisively. “We cannot allow the situation to escalate, especially as Ramadan is just days away. The peace and unity of the mosque and its congregation are of paramount importance,” he said after the hearing.
On the other side of the dispute, Alabi-Macfoy’s legal team, led by respected lawyers Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, and Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN, strongly argued that the court should not intervene at this stage. They asserted that the matter was one that should be dealt with internally by the mosque’s governing body and that the court lacked jurisdiction to step in.
The defence team, represented by Kunle Oyesanya, SAN, also raised objections to the plaintiffs’ application on jurisdictional grounds. Oyesanya contended that the court did not have the authority to issue the requested order and that the mosque’s leadership issues should not be subject to judicial oversight.
Despite the objections, Justice Lewis-Allagoa, who presided over the case, ruled in favour of the plaintiffs. The court ordered that all parties involved in the dispute should maintain the status quo and avoid taking any actions that could incite unrest or violence within the mosque.
The court’s decision to order the maintenance of peace and the preservation of the mosque’s status quo underscores the importance of stability and harmony, particularly during such a significant period as Ramadan.
In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa also made it clear that the Chief Imam, as the spiritual head of the mosque, should not be prevented from overseeing mosque affairs, including the upcoming Ramadan lectures. The court directed that the Chief Imam should have full authority to carry out his duties in line with his position as the spiritual leader, pending the outcome of further hearings.
Following the ruling, the leadership of the Lagos Central Mosque has been urged to seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The court’s decision to preserve the status quo has temporarily halted any further escalation of the crisis, but it has not provided a permanent solution. The case has been adjourned to the 3rd of March, 2025, for further hearings.
