OAU defends cancellation of Peter Obi lecture, cites late notice

Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University have defended the cancellation of a proposed lecture by former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, citing late notice as the reason for the decision.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the university’s public relations officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, said a group within the student body had invited Obi to deliver a lecture on campus.

He explained that the university authorities were not adequately informed about the status and calibre of the guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.

Olarewaju noted that events involving high-profile personalities require sufficient notice to allow for proper logistical and security arrangements, including coordination with agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.

He added that due to the short notice, the university was unable to complete the necessary arrangements and therefore could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event.

“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. 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,” Olarewaju said.

The spokesperson stressed that the decision was taken in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols, adding that it does not reflect any disregard for Obi.

He urged members of the university community and the public to comply with laid-down procedures when planning events within the institution.