The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday intervened in a legal battle over the control of Lagos Central Mosque by ordering all parties to maintain the status quo.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa restrained them from taking steps that might breach the peace or cause a breakdown of law and order.
The Registered Trustees of the Jamat-Ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria (Lagos Central Mosque), Alhaji Femi Okunnu and Alhaji Chief Saheed Yemi Lawal are challenging the appointment of Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy as the Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Dr. ‘Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), argued that Alabi-Macfoy was appointed without consulting the Chief Imam – the mosque’s spiritual head.
He contended that Alabi-Macfoy could not rightfully assume the role of Baba Adinni, as he was yet to be turbaned by the Chief Imam.
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.
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The mosque, under the guidance of the Chief Imam, is preparing to host an important Ramadan lecture, but tensions are rising, as Alabi-Macfoy has been circulating invitations for a parallel lecture.
The plaintiffs implored the court to issue preservatory orders to prevent chaos.
They argued that the court could exercise its inherent powers to maintain order before addressing jurisdictional objections.
Pinheiro warned that any delay could lead to a breakdown of law and order, especially in the sensitive period leading up to Ramadan.
Although the defendants argued they were challenging the court’s jurisdiction, Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled in favour of the plaintiffs.
The judge held that since there was no dispute that the Chief Imam was the spiritual head of the mosque, he should not be prevented from overseeing the forthcoming Ramadan lecture and the mosque’s affairs pending further hearings.
He adjourned until March 3.
