OAU Declines Venue for Peter Obi's Lecture Due to Notice

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, declined a request to host a lecture by Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections. The university's management, represented by Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the organizers did not provide sufficient details or adequate notice for the event, which was scheduled shortly before the planned date.

This lack of notice made it impossible to arrange the necessary security and logistics for a high-profile guest. The university highlighted that events involving prominent individuals require prior notification to ensure safety and proper coordination with relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The decision to decline the venue was made purely in the interest of safety and adherence to established protocols. Peter Obi expressed concern over a disturbing pattern of cancellations of events at universities across Nigeria, indicating a broader issue regarding intellectual freedom in the country.