Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has clarified why a scheduled lecture by Peter Obi did not take place on Saturday, attributing the development to insufficient notice from the organisers.
Obi was expected to deliver a keynote address at 9am on campus before heading to a political summit of opposition parties in Ibadan later that day.
In a post on X, the former Anambra governor said the invitation had been extended months earlier and that preparations were already in place.
He, however, expressed concern after the university declined to approve the venue shortly before the event.
Describing the situation as disturbing, Obi warned about what he sees as growing restrictions on academic discourse in institutions traditionally known for independent thought.
“The reason Universities are regarded as an ivory tower is because its seen as centres for pure, isolated intellectual thought. It’s therefore worrisome when they are increasingly pressured to operate outside this norm,” he wrote.
“While such occurrences may be dismissed in isolation, it is important to state clearly that this has now happened more than ten times. This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians.”
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OAU responds
In its response issued on Monday, OAU said it could not grant approval for the use of Oduduwa Hall because it was informed too late to make adequate arrangements.
“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 emphasised that events involving prominent figures require early communication to ensure proper coordination.
“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.”
OAU maintained that its decision was based solely on safety and procedural considerations, stressing that it was not intended as a slight against Obi.
Vice-Chancellor Adebayo Bamire reiterated the university’s openness to hosting notable personalities, provided organisers comply with established guidelines.
The institution also urged event planners to adhere strictly to its procedures when seeking to use campus facilities.
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