Conceived in 1988, the idea to establish the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library remained just an idea until 10 years later when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo rode from prison to the State House as Nigeria’s second elected Executive President. He soon established the Office of Presidential Libraries (Libraries, Research and Documentation) with a stated mission to see the OOPL idea translated into reality.On November 12, 2002, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Foundation was incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation to advise, promote and encourage the establishment, growth and development of the Library, to coordinate its activities and provide support for its programmes. The Foundation’s Board of Trustees was charged with mobilising private sector interest and funding to construct, furnish, maintain, and protect the Library complex’s buildings and its holdings.

A primary concern for the establishment of a Presidential Library is first to acknowledge the contributions of, at any one time, the occupier of Nigeria’s most important political office. It is also generally acknowledged that there is a gap in understanding the complex conditions that prevail or act upon important decisions leaders make when they occupy their positions. A Presidential library, with documents and other archival materials can avail researchers of important resources that may enable them arrive at accurate and objective analysis of their subjects.