Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled to maintain peace amid a dispute regarding the organisation of the Lagos Central Mosque’s annual Ramadan Lecture.
Gatekeepers News reports that Justice Ambrose Lewis-Alagoa ordered all involved parties to preserve the status quo and avoid actions that could disrupt law and order, during a court session held on Wednesday.
The judge stated that there is no dispute concerning the spiritual leadership of the mosque, affirming that the current Chief Imam should oversee the organization of the Ramadan Lecture until the court hears and resolves the substantive case. This ruling came as a response to a motion filed by the Registered Trustees of Jamat-ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria, alongside other notable individuals including Alhaji Femi Okunnu and Alhaji Chief Saheed Yemi Lawal.
The lawsuit includes several parties, such as Alhaji Chief Sikiru Alabi Macfoy, Alhaji Chief A.A. Mustapha, Mufassir Imam S.A. Gafar, Dr. Muiz Banire SAN, Sheik Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State.
The plaintiffs, represented by Dr. Kemi Pinhero (SAN), requested multiple orders, including an interlocutory injunction to prevent the first defendant from acting as the Baba Adinni of the Lagos Central Mosque or managing its operations. They also sought to appoint Alhaji Tajudeen Ojikutu and Dr. Ganiyu Labinjo as interim administrators for the mosque’s activities until the legal issues are resolved.
During the hearing, Mr. Bisi Oyesanya (SAN), representing the first and second defendants, raised an objection regarding the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case, asserting that jurisdictional challenges should be addressed before discussing the main matter. Conversely, the plaintiffs’ counsel and Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), representing himself as a defendant, contested this viewpoint, claiming it was based on outdated legal principles.
Given the imminent Ramadan period, which begins in a few days, Dr Pinhero urged the court to maintain the status quo in order to preserve peace during the holy month. He highlighted that both parties had scheduled the Ramadan Lecture for the same day, risking potential disruption.
Supporting this request, counsel for the third defendant, Mr. Kunle Adegoke (SAN), and Efe Ize-Iyamu for the fifth defendant, also backed the call for a status quo order.
Consequently, Justice Alagoa instructed all parties involved to avoid any actions that could incite violence or unrest, confirming that the Chief Imam remains responsible for organising the Ramadan Lecture.
The case has been adjourned until March 3, 2025, for further hearings.
