On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Lagos High Court dismissed an appeal from Fouad Oki, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), who sought reinstatement to complete his term after serving for 10 months.
In March 2024, the LSFA Congress voted overwhelmingly to remove Oki, with 13 out of 14 members supporting the motion of no confidence against him.
Oki faced allegations of making unilateral changes to the LSFA’s established statutes, which adversely affected the sport within the state.
The LSFA convened an Extraordinary General Assembly that featured prominent attendees, including Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the 1st Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mallam Sani Ali, Chairman of Associations, former international player and ex-Lagos FA Chairman Waidi Akanni, and Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria’s President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development.
In his ruling, Justice Olalekan A. Oresanya concluded that the case lacked merit.
According to Justice Olalekan, “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), being the supervising authority of the Extra Ordinary General Assembly of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) is a necessary party to the suit.”
“The Extra Ordinary General Assembly of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) not being a personal act of the defendants/applicants, the defendants/applicants cannot be personally sued as done in this case.”
“This suit cannot be effectively decided without the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its affliate, the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) being made parties.”
“The claimant cannot maintain this action against the defendants/applicants as sued in their personal capacity over their official act as Congress Members of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) is an agency of the Federal Government, this court has no jurisdiction to hear letters relating to their interpretation of the articles in their statutes.
Justice Olalekan continued: “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) being an agency of the Federal Government, the High Court of Lagos State, has no jurisdiction over this matter.
Delivering judgment, Justice Olalekan went ahead to strike out the case.
“This suit has not been properly brought against the defendants/applicants in accordance with the statutes of the NFF and LSFA statutes and the rules of this court.”
Evangelist Taiwo R. Alagbe, Chairman Ikeja Divisional Football Association, along with 12 other members of the Lagos State Football Association’s Congress, met with the leadership of the Lagos FA on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025, to commemorate the March 11th court ruling of Justice Olalekan A. Oresanya, that dismissed Fouad Oki’s lawsuit against the state’s highest football governing body.
When asked for his thoughts on the ruling, Hajji Gafar remarked, “We prefer not to label this as a victory just yet; instead, we view it as a significant step towards improved football management and a better understanding of youth empowerment through the sport.”
He added, “This court decision should remind all football stakeholders that the Statutes; rules and regulations governing football must be respected.”
“The claimant is my elder brother and he is well-versed in the law. However, the regulations that govern football are unique.”
“It’s not about any single person.It’s about consistently doing what is right in football.”
He concluded by expressing deep appreciation to Justice Olalekan A. Oresanya for recognizing the merit in the Congress’ preliminary objection and dismissing the case.
