Ife Book Festival Convener Ademiluyi Sues Oluremi Tinubu, Others Over Funds Raised For Completion Of National Library
Mrs. Tinubu recently stirred controversy after she appealed to well-wishers to donate towards completing the multi-billion-naira library project, describing such contributions as the “best birthday gift” she could receive.
Ayodele Ademiluyi, Convener of the Ife Book and Arts Festival and Curator of the Booksfeast Collective, has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, his wife, Oluremi Tinubu, and several top government officials over funds raised during Mrs. Tinubu’s 65th birthday celebration for the completion of the long-abandoned National Library Headquarters in Abuja.
Mrs. Tinubu recently stirred controversy after she appealed to well-wishers to donate towards completing the multi-billion-naira library project, describing such contributions as the “best birthday gift” she could receive.
In a video shared by her spokesperson, Bukola Kukoyi, and amplified on her official social media handle, the First Lady urged Nigerians to channel funds into a special “Education Fund” instead of giving her cakes, flowers, or the popular “money flower” birthday gift.
The appeal immediately drew backlash, with critics blasting the federal government for shifting its constitutional responsibility to citizens.
Many argued that the request was a glaring admission of failure by successive administrations, including the Tinubu government, to adequately fund and complete the project despite repeated promises.
Ademiluyi has now taken the matter to court. In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1900/25, filed on behalf of himself and the Booksfeast Collective, he joined as respondents: President Bola 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).
The suit seeks, among other reliefs, an order of mandamus compelling the EFCC to investigate the Zenith Bank account allegedly provided by the Ministry of Education to collect donations during Mrs. Tinubu’s birthday fundraiser.
Ademiluyi also wants Mrs. Tinubu and Zenith Bank Plc to disclose to the court how much has been received so far and provide a full account of how the funds have been utilised.
In addition, Ademiluyi is asking the court to order President Tinubu to allocate at least 26 percent of the 2026 federal budget to education, in line with UNESCO’s recommendation.
He further demands that a significant portion be directed to the National Book Development Centre under the NERDC, which he said has the statutory responsibility of 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.