Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled July 2 for the hearing of a committal motion filed against Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy in connection with the ongoing leadership dispute at the Lagos State Central Mosque.
The motion was brought by the Registered Trustees of the Jamat-Ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria (Lagos Central Mosque), who are challenging Alabi-Macfoy’s appointment as Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council.
The plaintiffs, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, argue that Alabi-Macfoy’s appointment was made without the consultation or approval of the Chief Imam, the mosque’s recognized spiritual leader.
They filed a Form 49 notice, initiating contempt proceedings under Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act and the Judgment (Enforcement) Rules.
During the latest hearing, counsel to the first and second defendants, Adekunle Oyesanya (SAN), informed the court of an application to vary the court’s previous interim orders.
He claimed the enrolled order did not accurately reflect the court’s pronouncements at the last sitting.
However, Pinheiro opposed the request, describing the application as “convoluted” for simultaneously seeking to modify and set aside the same order.
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He insisted that the first defendant, having allegedly disobeyed valid court orders, should not be granted audience before the court.
Pinheiro also accused Alabi-Macfoy of obstructing the fifth defendant, who retains uncontested authority to oversee the mosque’s affairs, from implementing the court’s interim directives.
In response, Oyesanya maintained that the order on record did not align with the actual proceedings, thereby justifying their application. When asked if he was present when the order was made, Oyesanya confirmed he was.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa reaffirmed the validity of the interim order and emphasized the court’s duty to ensure compliance with its directives.
He ruled that both the committal motion and the defendants’ application for modification would be heard on July 2.
At the center of the dispute is Alabi-Macfoy’s controversial installation as Baba Adinni, a move the plaintiffs claim is invalid due to the absence of a traditional turbaning ceremony officiated by the Chief Imam.
They have warned that the situation could destabilize the mosque’s community and have urged the court to issue preservatory orders to maintain peace and order. According to the plaintiffs, the court possesses inherent powers to make interim rulings to prevent a breakdown of law and order—even in the face of jurisdictional challenges.
Nonetheless, Alabi-Macfoy’s legal team continues to oppose such orders, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction until the pending challenge is resolved.
