The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has clarified why it declined approval for the proposed venue of a lecture scheduled to be delivered by the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi .
According to the university, the decision was not a slight against the former Anambra State governor but a matter of safety and adherence to established protocols.
OAU’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said in a statement on Sunday that the organisers failed to provide adequate details about the event and the invited guest until Friday — barely a day before the scheduled lecture .
“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),” Olarewaju explained .
Consequently, the university could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested .
Obi had earlier raised concerns, noting that he had experienced similar cancellations more than ten times across various institutions, including his alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) .
The university stressed that its decision was “not, in any way, a reflection of disregard for the person or status of His Excellency, Peter Obi, whom the university holds in high esteem” .
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