- OAU said it declined the venue for Peter Obi’s lecture due to late notice from organisers
- Peter Obi had raised concerns about repeated cancellations of his university engagements
- The university maintained the decision was based on security and logistical considerations, not personal bias
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has clarified why it declined approval for a proposed lecture by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the university said the decision was based on the late submission of event details by organisers.
The clarification followed concerns raised by Obi, who had earlier described the cancellation as part of a growing trend of disrupted engagements at Nigerian universities, warning that such incidents could undermine intellectual freedom.
Obi disclosed that he had been scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at OAU by 9 a.m. on Saturday before proceeding to Ibadan for an opposition parties’ summit. However, he said he was informed that the event had been called off at short notice.
The former governor of Anambra State added that the development was not isolated, noting that he had experienced similar cancellations on more than 10 occasions.
“This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians,” Obi stated.
Responding, the university maintained that organisers failed to provide sufficient information about the event and the invited guest until Friday—just one day before the scheduled lecture.
According to the institution, such short notice made it impossible to complete essential preparations, particularly those relating to security and logistics required for hosting a high-profile figure.
“It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification to the university authorities,” the statement read. It added that proper arrangements typically involve coordination with security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The university explained that these measures are necessary to ensure the safety of the guest speaker, 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 added.
OAU emphasised that its decision was guided strictly by safety considerations and adherence to established institutional protocols. It further clarified that the move should not be interpreted as a slight against Obi or a restriction on free expression.