High Court Affirms Impeachment Of Former Lagos FA Chairman

High Court Affirms Impeachment Of Former Lagos FA Chairman 

Precious Oham 

On Tuesday 11th March 2025, the Lagos High Court rejected an appeal from Fouad Oki, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), who sought to be reinstated to finish his term after 10 months in office, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

In March 2024, the Lagos State Football Association’s Congress passed a vote of no confidence against Oki, with 13 out of 14 congress members voting for his removal.

Oki was also accused of unilaterally altering the LSFA's existing statutes, which negatively impacted the sport in the state.

In delivering the ruling, Justice Olalekan A. Oresanya stated that the suit 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."

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.