A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed all parties involved in the dispute over the annual Ramadan Lecture at the Lagos Central Mosque to maintain the status quo and refrain from any actions that could lead to unrest in the state.
Justice Ambros Lewis-Alagoa ruled that since there was no dispute regarding the mosque’s spiritual leadership, the current Chief Imam, as the spiritual head, should take charge of organizing the Ramadan Lecture until the substantive case is resolved.
“I am directing all parties not to engage in any act that may ignite violence or crisis. Since there is no dispute regarding the spiritual head of the Mosque, he shall oversee the organization of the Ramadan Lecture,” the judge stated.
The lawsuit was filed by the Registered Trustees of Jamat-ul-Muslimeen Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Femi Okunnu, and Alhaji Saheed Lawal. Other parties in the case include Alhaji Sikiru Macfoy, Alhaji A. Mustapha, Mufassir Imam Gafar, Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, Sheik Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, and the Attorney-General of Lagos State.
The plaintiffs, represented by Dr. Kemi Pinhero, SAN, are seeking an interlocutory injunction restraining the first defendant from acting as Baba Adinni of the Lagos Central Mosque or managing its affairs.
During the hearing, defense counsel Mr. Bisi Oyesanya, SAN, argued that the court must first address his notice challenging its jurisdiction before proceeding with the main case. However, plaintiff’s counsel Dr. Pinhero and fourth defendant Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, countered that this approach was based on outdated legal principles.
Given the imminent commencement of Ramadan, Pinhero urged the court to issue an order maintaining the status quo to ensure peace during the period.
The case has been adjourned to March 3, 2025, for further hearing.
