By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has explained its decision to decline approval for a lecture by Peter Obi, citing late notification by organisers and security concerns.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the university said it was not properly informed about the event and the calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.
According to the management, the short notice made it impossible to complete the necessary logistical and security arrangements required for hosting a high-profile figure like Obi. These include coordination with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services to ensure the safety of participants and the university community.
The former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate was billed to deliver a keynote lecture at the university at 9 a.m. before proceeding to Ibadan for an opposition parties’ summit. However, the event was called off after the university declined the use of Oduduwa Hall, the proposed venue.
Reacting earlier, Obi described the cancellation as part of a growing pattern of disrupted engagements across Nigerian universities, warning that such developments could undermine intellectual freedom and open discourse.
OAU, however, stressed that its decision was based strictly on safety, orderliness, and adherence to established protocols, noting that it was not intended as a slight against Obi or his status.
