The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, says a proposed lecture by Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, did not hold at the institution on Saturday due to “short notice” from organisers.
Obi was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at 9am at the university before proceeding to the opposition parties political summit in Ibadan, which was billed to start at noon.
In a post on X on Saturday, the former governor of Anambra said the invitation was extended to him several months ago and that adequate preparations had been made.
However, the event did not hold as planned after the university authorities declined approval for the venue at the last minute.
Obi described the development as “troubling”, expressing concern over what he termed increasing constraints on intellectual engagements within universities traditionally regarded as “ivory towers”.
“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.”
However, in a statement on Monday, OAU said it did not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event due to late notice and inability to complete necessary 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 added that events involving high-profile personalities require adequate prior notification to enable proper logistics and security arrangements.
“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.”
The university said the decision was taken “purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of University facilities”, and not as a reflection of disregard for Obi.
Adebayo Bamire, OAU vice-chancellor, said the institution remains committed to intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided due process is followed.
The university also urged compliance with established procedures in organising events on campus.
