Activist Sues Remi Tinubu, Others over Fundraising for National Library Project
Ayodele Ademiluyi, Convener of the Ife Book and Arts Festival and Curator of the Booksfeast Collective, has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and several senior officials over funds raised during Mrs. Tinubu’s 65th birthday celebration intended for completing the unfinished National Library headquarters in Abuja.
The issue arose after the First Lady called on Nigerians to donate to the project, describing contributions as the “best birthday gift” she could receive.
In a video shared by her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, and posted on her official social media, the First Lady encouraged well-wishers to support a special “Education Fund” instead of sending cakes, flowers, or “money flower” gifts.
The appeal sparked criticism, with many accusing the government of offloading its constitutional obligations onto citizens. Critics claimed the request highlighted the failure of past administrations, including the current Tinubu government, to complete the multi-billion-naira project despite numerous promises.
Ademiluyi brought the matter to court under suit number FHC/L/CS/1900/25 on behalf of himself and the Booksfeast Collective. Respondents include President Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Federal Ministry of Education, Chinwe Veronica (National Librarian of Nigeria), the National Library Board, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Zenith Bank Plc, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He seeks a court order mandating the EFCC to investigate the Zenith Bank account reportedly used by the Ministry of Education to collect donations during the fundraiser.
Ademiluyi also requests that Mrs. Tinubu and Zenith Bank disclose the total amount received so far and provide a full account of how the funds have been utilized.
The First Lady recently announced that over N20 billion has been donated for the project.
Additionally, Ademiluyi asks the court to direct President Tinubu to allocate at least 26% of the 2026 federal budget to education, in accordance with UNESCO recommendations, with a significant portion assigned to the National Book Development Centre under NERDC, which is responsible for promoting book fairs, literary development, and protecting Nigeria’s book ecosystem.
As of now, no judge has been assigned, and no hearing date has been set for the case.
Sentinelnewsng.com reports the project began in 2006 but has seen little progress since construction paused in 2012.
Funding challenges and fluctuating costs have also contributed to the abandonment, with the cost escalating from an initial N8.59 billion to estimates as high as N218.44 billion for completion.
Despite multiple promises and budget allocations by successive governments, the National Library remains incomplete and operates from a rented building as of 2025.
However, the First Lady announced that over N20 billion was donated within 24 hours of her 2025 birthday fundraising campaign aimed at completing the project
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