OAU denies venue for Obi lecture over late notice, security concerns

A planned lecture by Peter Obi at Obafemi Awolowo University did not hold on Saturday after the institution declined to approve the venue, citing late notice and security concerns.

Obi, a former Anambra governor, was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at 9 am before proceeding to an opposition party’s summit in Ibadan later in the day. However, the event was called off after the university withheld approval for the use of Oduduwa Hall.

Reacting in a post on X, Obi described the development as “troubling,” warning about what he termed increasing constraints on intellectual engagements within Nigerian universities.

He said the invitation had been extended months earlier and that preparations were already in place, adding that the situation reflects a growing pattern.

“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,” he said.

But in a statement issued on Monday, the university said organisers failed to provide adequate notice to enable proper planning for an event involving a high-profile guest.

According to the institution, it was only informed of the status and calibre of the invited speaker a day before the programme, leaving insufficient time to make necessary logistical and security arrangements.

The university stressed that events of such scale require prior notification to ensure the safety of the guests, students, and the wider community.

It added that the decision to deny the venue was taken strictly in line with established procedures governing the use of campus facilities, and not as a sign of disregard for Obi.

The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to hosting intellectual engagements, noting that such events must follow due process to guarantee orderliness and safety.

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