First Lady Sued Over National Library Fundraising

The Convener of the Ife Book and Arts Festival and Curator of the Booksfeast Collective, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and several senior government officials over funds raised during Mrs Tinubu’s 65th birthday celebration for the completion of the abandoned National Library headquarters in Abuja.

LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy began when the FirstnLady appealed to Nigerians to contribute to the project, describing such donations as the “best birthday gift” she could receive.

In a video shared by her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, and amplified on her official social media platforms, the First Lady urged well-wishers to support a special “Education Fund” rather than send cakes, flowers, or the popular “money flower” gifts.

The appeal immediately drew backlash, with many Nigerians accusing the government of shifting its constitutional responsibility to citizens. Critics argued that the request amounted to an admission of failure by successive administrations, including the Tinubu government, to complete the multi-billion-naira project despite repeated promises.

Ademiluyi took the matter to court in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1900/25, filed on behalf of himself and the Booksfeast Collective. Joined as respondents are President Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation, Dr. Tunji Alausa (Minister of Education), the Federal Ministry of Education, Chinwe Veronica (National Librarian of Nigeria), the Board of the National Library of Nigeria, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Zenith Bank Plc, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Among the reliefs sought, Ademiluyi is seeking an order of mandamus compelling the EFCC to investigate the Zenith Bank account allegedly provided by the Ministry of Education to collect donations during the First Lady’s birthday fundraiser.

He also wanted Mrs Tinubu and Zenith Bank to disclose to the court how much has been received so far and provide a full account of how the funds have been utilised.

Recall that the First Lady on Tuesday announced that she has received over N20billion donations for the project.

In addition, the activist asked the court to order President Tinubu to allocate at least 26 per cent of the 2026 federal budget to education, in line with UNESCO’s recommendation. He further demanded that a substantial portion be directed to the National Book Development Centre under the NERDC, which he said is statutorily responsible for promoting book fairs, literary development, and protecting Nigeria’s book ecosystem.

As of press time, no judge has been assigned to the case and no date fixed for hearing.