By Wale Adeniran (Southwest Bureau)
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has clarified why it declined the proposed venue for a lecture by Peter Obi, stating that organisers failed to give sufficient notice.
The university’s response came after Obi raised alarm over what he described as a recurring trend of cancelled engagements at Nigerian universities—an issue he warned could pose a threat to intellectual freedom.
In a statement shared on X on Saturday, Obi explained that he had been scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at the institution by 9 a.m. before traveling to Ibadan for an opposition parties’ summit. However, he said he was informed that the event had been cancelled.
The former Anambra State governor added that this was not an isolated case, claiming similar incidents had happened more than ten times.
“This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
Responding on Sunday, the university, through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that organisers only provided full details about the event and the invited guest on Friday—just one day before the scheduled lecture.
The institution noted that such short notice made it impossible to complete the extensive preparations required for hosting a high-profile figure, particularly in terms of security and logistics.
“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.
The university emphasized that its decision was strictly based on safety considerations and adherence to established procedures, adding that it should not be interpreted as a slight against Obi or his status.
