Leon Mba was the first President of Gabon of 1960 with 1967. Previously it was one of the spokespersons of the first revolts against the colonial authorities French in connection with the exploitation of the Gabon board during the construction of the railway line Congo-Ocean.

In 1922, it was elected chief of the canton fang . When in 1958 Gabon integrated the French Community, he was the Prime Minister for the autonomous Republic of Gabon. The opposition parties then reproach him for having given up any idea of independence. However when Gabon becomes indeed independent the August 17th 1960 Leon Mba becomes the first president of the country, with as vice-president Paul Marie Yembi. In 1964, Mba is reversed by a coup d'etat of in favor of its opponent Jean-Hilaire Aubame. The France militarily brings back it to the capacity. In 1967 Mba is re-elected then dies the November 27th of the same year.

At the time of the 40e birthday of the disappearance of his famous predecessor, President Omar Bongo Ondimba inaugurated the very new Mausoleum dedicated to the memory of that which was its political godfather. The memorial is located at Libreville, the capital.