OAU Explains Obi Lecture Rejection

OAU Explains Obi Lecture Rejection

At Obafemi Awolowo University in Osun State, the management said it declined a venue request for a lecture by Peter Obi due to late notice.

The decision was announced on Sunday after concerns were raised over the cancelled event. The lecture had been planned by a student group within the university.

It was expected to hold shortly before a political summit in Ibadan.

The university explained that organisers failed to give full details about the guest until just a day before the programme.

This delay, it said, made it hard to prepare for the visit of a high-profile figure.

Proper planning, including coordination with security agencies, could not be completed in time. As a result, approval for the use of the venue was withheld.

The management stressed that the move was based on safety and standard procedures, not personal reasons. It said events involving top personalities require early notice for smooth arrangements.

The institution added that it holds Obi in high regard despite the decision. It maintained that rules guiding the use of facilities must be followed.

Earlier, Obi had raised concern over repeated cancellations of his university engagements across the country. He said the trend points to a growing issue affecting academic freedom.

The former presidential candidate noted that similar incidents had happened many times.

The development has sparked fresh debate around campus events and public discourse.