OAU explains refusal to host Peter Obi lecture
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has clarified why it declined to approve a venue for a lecture by Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate. According to the university, the organisers gave very short notice about the event and only revealed the calibre of the guest a day before the scheduled programme. Peter Obi has raised concerns about a pattern of cancelled university engagements across Nigeria, warning about threats to intellectual freedom. OAU management insists the decision was based solely on safety and protocol considerations.
What we know
- OAU management said the organisers did not disclose the calibre of the guest until a day before the event.
- The university stated that short notice prevented it from making necessary security and logistical arrangements.
- Peter Obi was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at OAU before heading to another event in Ibadan.
- The university emphasised that the decision was not a sign of disrespect to Peter Obi.
- Peter Obi claims similar cancellations have happened to him on more than 10 occasions.
