Why OAU declined venue for Peter Obi’s lecture — Management

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Sunday explained that it declined approval for the proposed venue of a lecture to be delivered by the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, due to short notice by organisers.

The institution’s clarification followed concerns raised by Obi over what he described as a growing pattern of cancelled engagements at Nigerian universities, which he warned could undermine intellectual freedom.

Obi had, in a statement shared via X on Saturday, said he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at the university by 9 am before proceeding to Ibadan for an opposition parties’ summit, but was informed that the event had been called off.

The former Anambra State governor added that the incident was not isolated, noting that similar cancellations had occurred more than 10 times.

“This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.

However, in a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the university said organisers failed to provide adequate details about the event and the invited guest until Friday, a day before the programme.

According to the statement, the short notice made it impossible for the university to make necessary security and logistical arrangements required for hosting high-profile personalities.

“It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification to the university authorities because it will enable the institution to make necessary logistical and security arrangements, including proper liaison with relevant security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), in order to ensure the safety of the guests, members of the university community and the general public.

“Consequently, given the short notice and the attendant inability to complete these critical arrangements, the university authorities could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested by the organisers,” the statement read in part.

It stressed that the decision was taken in the interest of safety and adherence to established protocols, noting that it was not a reflection of disregard for Obi’s person or status.