The controversy surrounding the invasion of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is far from over, as the library’s management has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the anti-graft agency to publicly apologise for what it described as a “Gestapo-like” raid on its premises last Sunday.
In a statement, the Managing Director of the library, Vitalis Ortese, called for an extensive investigation by security agencies into the incident. He also demanded ₦3.5 billion in total compensation for damages suffered by both the institution and the individuals affected, warning that legal action would be taken if the demands were not met within the stipulated period.
Ortese alleged that the raid was a calculated move aimed at undermining the dignity of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, labelling the operation as “unlawful” and “a direct assault on everything this institution stands for.” He stressed the need for a transparent investigation, with findings made public, to ensure accountability.
According to Ortese, the invasion resulted in losses amounting to at least ₦1 billion, in addition to bodily harm inflicted on those detained during the incident. He insisted that those whose vehicles were seized, as well as the injured—numbering no fewer than one hundred—must be compensated.
The management further demanded that ₦2.5 billion be paid as symbolic atonement for the damage caused to the library’s reputation, its business operations, and the standing of its chief promoter.
“Immediate restitution for the damage caused, be made to those persons who were arrested and whose vehicle were carted away by the invasion force of the Police and EFCC, as well as for bodily injuries suffered by these persons numbering at least one hundred (100); be paid in the amount of at least One Billion Naira (N1Billion).
“We also demand that a further Two Billion and Five Hundred Million Naira (N 2.5 Billion) be paid in token acknowledgement and atonement for the immense damage caused to the reputation, business and our financial reputation as well to the reputation of our Chief Promoter.
“We have further instructed our lawyers that should these demands not be met in full within the next seven (7) days from today, Wednesday August 13th 2025, we shall have no alternative but to proceed to seek redress in a competent court of law without further recourse to the Police and the EFCC; and in which case our demands will NOT be limited to the foregoing,” the statement read in part.
The management has set August 20, 2025, as the deadline for the EFCC to meet its demands or face legal proceedings.
What you should know
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, located in Abeokuta, Ogun State, serves as a historical archive and cultural hub established by Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The recent invasion by the EFCC has sparked a high-profile dispute, with the library’s management claiming the raid was both damaging and politically motivated.
