Court Sets July 2 for Contempt Hearing Against Alabi-Macfoy Over Lagos Central Mosque Leadership Dispute

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, amid an ongoing leadership dispute at the Lagos State Central Mosque.

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

The plaintiffs, represented by Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argue that Alabi-Macfoy’s appointment was made unilaterally and without the consultation or approval of the Chief Imam, who remains the mosque’s spiritual head.

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Pinheiro informed the court of the plaintiffs’ 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.

However, counsel for the 1st and 2nd defendants, Adekunle Oyesanya, SAN, sought to modify the court’s earlier interim orders. He claimed that the enrolled order did not accurately reflect the proceedings at the previous sitting.

Pinheiro opposed the application, describing it as “convoluted” for seeking both a modification and a setting aside of the same order. He further argued that the 1st defendant, having willfully disobeyed court orders, should not be granted a right of audience.

He accused Alabi-Macfoy of deliberately obstructing the 5th defendant, whose authority to administer the mosque’s affairs remains unchallenged, from complying with the court’s interim directive pending resolution of the substantive suit.

In response, Oyesanya maintained that their application was justified, reiterating that the enrolled order did not reflect the court’s official record. But when questioned, he admitted he was present when the order was issued.

Justice Lewis-Allagoa affirmed the validity of the interim order and emphasized that it must be obeyed. The judge further noted the court’s duty to uphold the integrity of its orders and directed that both the plaintiffs’ committal application and the defendants’ modification motion be heard together on July 2.

At the heart of the dispute is Alabi-Macfoy’s controversial installation as Baba Adinni, which plaintiffs argue is invalid, having not been sanctioned or officiated by the Chief Imam through the customary turbaning ceremony.

They warned that the situation threatens to disrupt peace within the mosque community, especially with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan. Consequently, they are urging the court to issue preservative orders to maintain stability during this sensitive period.

While the plaintiffs assert that the court has inherent powers to take interim measures regardless of jurisdictional challenges, counsel for the 1st and 2nd defendants oppose this position, insisting that no orders should be issued until the court’s jurisdiction is conclusively determined.