Court Drama Unfolds: Battle For Control of Lagos Central Mosque Intensifies

In a dramatic turn of events today, February 26, 2025, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos intervened in a fierce legal battle that could change the future of the revered 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’ lawyer, 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 was Dr Muiz Banire SAN and Mr Kunle Adegoke SAN.

Furthermore, 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.

On the other side, the Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy’s lawyer 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 Kunle Oyesanya SAN opposed the application vehemently on the grounds that they are challenging the court’s jurisdiction

The Honourable Justice Lewis-Allagoa, presiding over the matter, ruled in favor of the Plaintiffs, issuing an order for all parties to maintain the status quo and restrained all parties from taking steps which may breach the peace or cause 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 the 3 March, 2025