Battle for control of Lagos Central Mosque intensifies  

In a dramatic turn of events, the Federal High Court, Lagos, has intervened in a fierce legal battle over the control of Lagos Central Mosque.

The dispute, filed by the Registered Trustees of the Jamat-Ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria (Lagos Central Mosque), pits the spiritual and administrative leadership of the mosque against a controversial power struggle.

At the heart of the matter lies the contentious appointment of Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy as the Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council, a move that has ignited a storm of opposition.

The Plaintiffs’ counsel, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), argued that Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy was appointed without the essential consultation of the Chief Imam, the mosque’s spiritual head.

Also in court for the other defendants were Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) and Mr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN).

They contended that Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy cannot rightfully assume the role of Baba Adinni, as he has yet to be turbaned by the Chief Imam himself.

The Plaintiffs argued that urgent action was needed to preserve the peace of the mosque, particularly with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan just days away.

The mosque, under the guidance of the Chief Imam, is preparing to host an important Ramadan lecture, but tensions are rising as Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy, defying the Chief Imam’s authority, has been circulating invitations for a competing parallel lecture.

The Plaintiffs implored the Court to issue preservatory orders to prevent chaos.

The Plaintiffs argued that the Court can exercise its inherent powers to maintain order, even before addressing jurisdictional objections.

The counsel warned that any delay could lead to a breakdown of law and order, especially in the sensitive period leading up to Ramadan.

READ ALSO:Bandits kidnap Imam, 10 worshippers in Sokoto mosque

On the other side, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy’s counsel argued that the Court could not make any order in view of the challenge to its jurisdiction, but the Registered Trustees maintained that the impending Ramadan has made it critical for the Court to step in and restore order.

The 1st and 2nd defendants’ counsel, Mr. Adekunle Oyesanya (SAN), opposed the application vehemently on the grounds that they are challenging the Court’s jurisdiction.

Trial judge Lewis-Allagoa ruled in favor of the Plaintiffs, issuing an order for all parties to maintain the status quo and restraining all parties from taking steps that may breach the peace or cause a breakdown of law and order.

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.

The case has now been adjourned to March 3, 2025.