LAGOS, Nigeria — Justice Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has set July 2, 2025, as the date to hear a contempt application filed against Alhaji (Chief) Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy amidst the escalating leadership dispute rocking the Lagos State Central Mosque.
The legal battle, initiated by the Registered Trustees of the Jamat-Ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria (Lagos Central Mosque), challenges Alabi-Macfoy’s appointment as the Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the mosque’s Executive Council. The plaintiffs allege that the appointment was made without consultation or approval from the Chief Imam, who is recognized as the mosque’s spiritual authority.
Represented by Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the plaintiffs filed a committal application under Form 49, seeking Alabi-Macfoy’s imprisonment for allegedly disobeying existing court orders. The application was brought pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and the related enforcement rules.
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During Thursday’s hearing, counsel for the 1st and 2nd defendants, Adekunle Oyesanya, SAN, sought the court’s permission to amend the previously issued interim orders. He argued that the enrolled order did not accurately reflect the court’s pronouncements from the last session.
However, Prof. Pinheiro, SAN, objected strongly, labeling the request as both contradictory and an abuse of court process, since it simultaneously sought to modify and nullify the same order. He also argued that the 1st defendant, having allegedly flouted court directives, should not be permitted to make submissions until the contempt issue is addressed.
Pinheiro maintained that the plaintiffs’ committal application should be prioritized, accusing Alabi-Macfoy of intentionally obstructing the 5th defendant’s lawful role in administering the mosque’s affairs in accordance with interim court orders.
In response, Oyesanya SAN defended his application, reiterating that the enrolled order deviated from the court’s actual record. However, upon inquiry from the bench, Oyesanya admitted he was present when the order was given.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa upheld the validity of the interim order, emphasizing the imperative of court orders being respected and enforced. He subsequently ruled that both the contempt proceedings and the motion seeking order modification will be heard concurrently on July 2.
At the crux of the conflict is the contested appointment of Alabi-Macfoy, which has triggered sharp divisions within the mosque’s leadership structure. The plaintiffs argue that his installation as Baba Adinni is illegitimate, as it lacked the Chief Imam’s ceremonial endorsement through the customary turbaning process.
They also warned of the potential for unrest within the mosque community, particularly as the holy month of Ramadan draws near, urging the court to grant preservative orders to maintain stability during the sensitive period.
Meanwhile, Alabi-Macfoy’s legal team continues to oppose the plaintiffs’ applications, asserting that the court lacks the jurisdiction to grant any orders until preliminary objections are resolved.
The matter is set to continue on July 2, where both sides will face off in what is shaping to be a pivotal day in the mosque’s leadership saga.