OAU Reveals Reason Behind Peter Obi’s Lecture Venue Rejection

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has provided an explanation for its decision to deny venue approval for a lecture planned by former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

According to reports from Naija News, Obi had announced his intention to deliver a keynote lecture at the university at 9 am, prior to attending an opposition party summit in Ibadan.

However, he was later informed that the event had been canceled.

Obi noted that this cancellation was not an isolated incident, citing that similar occurrences had taken place more than ten times previously.

In a statement released on Sunday, OAU elaborated on its refusal to approve the venue, attributing the decision to the short notice given by the event organizers.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, indicated that the organizers had not provided sufficient details about the event and the invited guests until the Friday before the scheduled lecture.

According to the statement, the short notice made it impossible for the university to make the necessary security and logistical arrangements 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.

“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.

It stressed that the decision was taken in the interest of safety and adherence to established protocols, noting that it was not a reflection of disregard for Obi’s person or status.