Lagos Central Mosque Crisis: Court Orders Parties To Maintain Status quo

Justice Ambros Lewis-Alagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered all parties involved in the dispute over the yearly Ramadan Lecture of the Lagos Central Mosque to maintain the status quo and refrain from any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Justice Lewis-Alagoa also held, in his ruling, that since there is no contention regarding the spiritual leadership of the Mosque, the current Chief Imam, who serves as the spiritual head, should be responsible for organising the Ramadan Lecture until the hearing and determination of the substantive application.

The judge issued the status quo order while adjourning the case related to a motion on notice filed by the Registered Trustees of the Jamat-ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Femi Okunnu and Alhaji Saheed Yemi Lawal.

Other parties in the suit include Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy, Alhaji A.A. Mustapha, Mufassir Imam S.A. Gafar, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) Sheikh Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State.

In the motion on notice, the plaintiffs, through their counsel, Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), are requesting the following orders:

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“An order for an interlocutory injunction, pending the determination of the motion on notice, restraining the first defendant from acting or continuing to act as the Baba Adinni of the Lagos Central Mosque, managing the affairs of the Mosque, or exercising any powers connected to the duties and functions of the Baba Adinni.

“An order for an interlocutory injunction, pending the determination of the motion on notice, restraining the first defendant, whether by himself or through his agents, from presenting himself as the Baba Adinni of the Lagos Central Mosque or participating in any related meetings.

“An order appointing Alhaji Tajudeen Ojikutu and Dr Ganiyu Labinjo as interim administrators of the Lagos Central Mosque to manage its affairs and oversee meetings of the Executive Council until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice regarding the selection or appointment of the Baba Adinni or other vacant chief offices.’’

When the matter was called on Wednesday, Bisi Oyesanya (SAN), representing the first and second defendants, told the judge that he had filed a notice of objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.

Oyesanya argued that when jurisdiction is challenged, the court should resolve that issue before proceeding with the primary matter.

However, Dr Pinheiro and Dr Banire, representing himself as the fourth defendant, objected to the argument, claiming it was based on outdated legal principles. Further hearings in the matter have been adjourned until March 3.