On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Lagos High Court delivered a landmark ruling that rejected an appeal from Fouad Oki, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA). Oki had sought reinstatement after being removed from office just 10 months into his term.
In March 2024, a vote of no confidence was passed by the LSFA Congress, with an overwhelming 13 out of 14 members voting for his removal. The decision followed allegations that Oki had unilaterally altered the association’s statutes, which negatively impacted the development of football in Lagos. His actions, some argued, were a serious blow to the integrity and smooth functioning of the sport in the state.
The ruling on March 11 followed a highly anticipated court session that involved prominent football figures like Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mallam Sani Ali, Chairman of Associations, as well as former international player and former Lagos FA Chairman Waidi Akanni. Also present was Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development.
Justice Olalekan A. Oresanya, who delivered the ruling, found that the lawsuit lacked merit, stating that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have been included as a necessary party in the case. In his judgement, Justice Oresanya clarified that the Lagos FA’s General Assembly, which had voted to remove Oki, was an official act and, as such, could not be contested in court by individuals acting in their personal capacities.
He also emphasised that the NFF, being the federal body overseeing football associations across the country, holds jurisdiction over such matters. He went on to strike out the case, reinforcing the fact that the suit was improperly filed and had not followed the proper legal and football governance protocols.
In the aftermath of the ruling, Evangelist Taiwo R. Alagbe (Haji Mokan), Chairman of the Ikeja Divisional Football Association, alongside 12 other members of the Lagos FA Congress, gathered on March 22, 2025, to mark the dismissal of Oki’s lawsuit. They celebrated the ruling as a victory for the integrity of football governance in the state.
When asked for his thoughts, Hajji Gafar, a member of the Congress, expressed that the decision should not be seen as a victory but as a significant step forward in improving football management. He stressed the importance of respecting the rules and regulations that govern the sport, pointing out that it’s not about any one individual but about the integrity and future of football itself.
Gafar further acknowledged Oki’s legal acumen but emphasised that football regulations were unique and had to be followed in order to maintain order and fairness. His words carried a message that resonated with all stakeholders: “It’s not about any single person. It’s about consistently doing what is right in football.”
Finally, Gafar conveyed his gratitude to Justice Olalekan A. Oresanya for recognising the merit in the Congress’ objection and making the decision to dismiss the case, helping to strengthen the foundations of football governance in Lagos for years to come. This ruling stands as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and respect for established statutes in any sporting body.
