University defends decision to deny venue for Peter Obi

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has explained why it declined to approve a venue for a lecture by former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

CBI News reports that Obi had earlier announced plans to deliver a keynote lecture at the institution before proceeding to Ibadan for an opposition summit but later disclosed that the event was called off.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the university said the organisers failed to give adequate notice for the programme.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that details of the event and invited guests were only provided on Friday, barely a day before the scheduled lecture.

According to the university, the short notice made it impossible to complete necessary security and logistical preparations required for hosting high-profile personalities.

“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,” the statement read in part.

“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 emphasised that its decision was based strictly on safety considerations and adherence to established protocols.

It added that the move should not be interpreted as a slight on Obi’s personality or status.

Obi had earlier claimed that the cancellation was part of a pattern, noting that similar incidents had occurred on multiple occasions.