Obasanjo Opens Up: ‘I Almost Abandoned My Presidential Library Until Mabogunje Intervened

Obasanjo made the revelation during the launch of the Prof. Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje Foundation and the second public lecture held in honour of the late scholar at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos.

The former president recounted that the project, which ultimately cost about $150 million and was commissioned on March 4, 2017, had at some point become overwhelming and frustrating.

“When I got overwhelmed by the demands of the presidential library project, I went to him (Mabogunje) quietly and said, ‘This library has become more than I bargained for.’ He asked what I planned to do, and I told him I wanted to stop. He looked at me and said I dared not,” Obasanjo recalled.

He noted that Mabogunje’s insistence, alongside the determination of other board members, was what kept the dream alive.

“If that library stands today, it is because of the encouragement — and even the fear — that Akin and my friends on the Board of Trustees instilled in me,” Obasanjo added.

Spanning 32 hectares, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library houses over 42 million books, documents, and historical artifacts, including Obasanjo’s primary school uniform, military regalia, first car, and other personal belongings.

As the Special Guest of Honour, Obasanjo described Mabogunje as a patriotic nation-builder and an outstanding public servant who served Nigeria in various capacities.

“He (Mabogunje) served this country meritoriously anytime he was called upon,” Obasanjo said, noting that the late scholar played a pivotal role in shaping national policies, particularly in the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“Akin was a geographer in every sense, and his expertise guided my administration when we were establishing Abuja. When you call him a nation-builder, you are absolutely correct,” he added.

The elder statesman further remarked that Mabogunje’s intellect and service transcended administrations, including those he personally disagreed with.

“There was no government before or after mine that called on Akin and didn’t benefit from his wisdom — even those I personally had no desire to assist,” he stated.

The event, which also commemorated Mabogunje’s third posthumous birthday, was attended by dignitaries including Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission; Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos; and Vincent Maduka, who chaired the occasion.

Prof. Akinlawon Mabogunje, Africa’s first professor of geography and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished academics, passed away on August 4, 2022, at the age of 90.