The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has explained why it declined approval for a proposed lecture by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, citing insufficient notice from organisers as the primary reason.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, had earlier stated that he was scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the university before proceeding to Ibadan for an opposition political summit.
In a statement posted on social media, Obi expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of cancellations of his engagements at Nigerian universities, warning that such developments could negatively affect intellectual freedom and open discourse.
However, the university, through its Public Relations Officer Abiodun Olarewaju, said the request for the event was submitted too late to allow adequate planning.
According to the statement, organisers only provided necessary details about the programme and guest speaker on Friday, just a day before the scheduled lecture, making it impossible to complete required preparations.
The institution explained that events involving high-profile personalities require sufficient advance notice to enable proper security coordination with agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
“It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification… in order to ensure the safety of the guests, members of the university community and the general public,” the statement said.
The university added that the decision to withhold approval for the use of Oduduwa Hall was based strictly on security and logistical concerns, and should not be interpreted as a lack of respect for Obi or his office.
It stressed that adherence to institutional protocols is essential in safeguarding both visitors and the university community during large public events.
The development has sparked wider public discussion on academic freedom, event approvals, and the management of high-profile visits within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
