Lagos Central Mosque: Alabi-Macfoy Faces Contempt Hearing Over Disputed Appointment

BY AISHA ABUBAKAR 

Justice Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed July 2, 2025, to hear a motion for committal to prison against Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy,, in connection with the ongoing dispute over the leadership of the Lagos State Central Mosque.

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

The plaintiffs contend that his appointment was made without the consultation or approval of the Chief Imam, the mosque’s spiritual head.

The Plaintiffs, represented by Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, filed a Form 49 notice seeking committal proceedings against Alabi-Macfoy pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and the Judgment (Enforcement) Rules.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, counsel to the 1st and 2nd defendants, Adekunle Oyesanya, SAN, informed the Court of their application to modify the interim orders previously granted.

He argued that the enrolled order did not accurately reflect the Court’s proceedings at the last sitting.

However, Prof. Pinheiro SAN strongly objected, describing the application as “convoluted,” as it sought both a modification and a setting aside of the same order.

He further argued that the 1st defendant, having willfully disobeyed the Court’s orders, should not be granted the right of audience.

Pinheiro emphasised that the Plaintiffs’ pending committal application against the 1st and 2nd defendants should take precedence.

He accused the 1st defendant of deliberately frustrating the 5th defendant’s efforts to comply with the Court’s interim orders, which directed the 5th defendant, whose authority remains unchallenged to administer the mosque’s affairs pending the resolution of the suit.

In response, Oyesanya SAN maintained that the enrolled order did not match the record of proceedings, justifying their request for modification.

But when the Court asked if he was present during the issuance of the order, he confirmed he was.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa then reiterated that the order was validly made and must be obeyed, stressing the Court’s responsibility to enforce its directives.

The Court ruled that both the plaintiffs’ committal application and the defendants’ motion for modification would be heard together on July 2.

At the heart of the conflict is Alabi-Macfoy’s controversial appointment, which has sparked sharp divisions within the mosque’s leadership.

The Plaintiffs argued that his installation as Baba Adinni is invalid as it has not been sanctioned or officiated by the Chief Imam through the traditional turbaning ceremony.

They further warned that the situation threatens to disrupt peace within the mosque community, particularly with the holy month of Ramadan approaching.

The Plaintiffs have urged the Court to issue preservatory orders to avert potential chaos and preserve order during the sensitive pre-Ramadan period.

They argued that the Court’s inherent powers allow it to take interim measures, even in the face of jurisdictional objections.

However, counsel for Alabi-Macfoy and the 2nd defendant have opposed the application, insisting that the Court lacked jurisdiction and cannot issue any orders until that challenge is resolved.