The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has disclosed that it declined approval for a proposed lecture by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi because organisers failed to give adequate notice.
The university’s response followed concerns raised by Obi after the event, scheduled for Saturday morning, was called off at short notice.
Obi had said he was billed to deliver a keynote lecture at the institution before heading to Ibadan for an opposition leaders’ summit.
He described the cancellation as part of a troubling trend, noting that similar incidents had occurred several times in recent months.
“This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians,” Obi said.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the university said details of the event and Obi’s participation were only formally communicated on Friday, less than 24 hours before the programme.
According to the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, such short notice made it impossible to complete the security and logistical arrangements required for an event involving a high-profile public 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 said.
The university added that proper coordination with security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services, was necessary to guarantee the safety of guests, staff, students and members of the public.
Consequently, OAU said it could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event, stressing that the decision was based strictly on established protocols and not out of disregard for Obi or his status.