The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, ... says a proposed lecture by Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, did not hold at the institution on Saturday due to “short notice” from organisers.
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 late Sunday statement signed by the school’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, OAU said the organisers and the guests notified the university of the event less than 24 hours before its scheduled date.
According to the statement, the institution explained that a student group had extended the invitation to Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, to deliver a lecture on campus, and requested the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event.
“The University authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme,” the statement reads.
The institution added that events involving high-profile personalities require adequate prior notification to enable proper logistics and security arrangements.........…
“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 in order to ensure the safety of the guest, members of the University community and the general public,” it said.
“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 university said the decision was taken “purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of University facilities”, and not as a reflection of disregard for Obi.
Adebayo Bamire, OAU vice-chancellor, said the institution remains committed to intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided due process is followed.
The university also urged compliance with established procedures in organising events on campus…....…
