OAU explains withdrawal of venue for Peter Obi lecture

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has said it declined the use of its Oduduwa Hall for a lecture scheduled to be delivered by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, citing late notification and security concerns.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution said organisers of the event failed to provide adequate details and formal notification until barely a day before the planned programme.

Obi had earlier announced that he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at the university by 9:00 am on Saturday before proceeding to another engagement in Ibadan. However, he later said the event was cancelled at short notice, describing it as part of what he called a recurring pattern of disruptions to his university engagements.

The former Anambra State governor, who contested the 2023 presidential election, said he had experienced similar cancellations on multiple occasions, raising concerns about what he described as a growing trend affecting his academic speaking engagements across Nigeria.

Responding, OAU said the request for the use of its facility was submitted too late to allow for proper administrative and security procedures.

The university explained that hosting high-profile guests requires advance coordination with relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to ensure adequate protection for visitors, staff, and students.

According to the institution, the short notice made it impossible to complete the necessary arrangements.

“Events involving individuals of such public prominence require sufficient prior notice to enable proper logistical planning and security coordination,” the statement said.

It added that the decision to withhold approval was based strictly on procedural requirements and was not intended as a personal slight against Obi.

The university emphasised that its priority remains the safety of all participants and the smooth running of campus activities.

The clarification comes amid rising public debate over Obi’s claim that several of his scheduled university lectures have been cancelled or disrupted in recent times.