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

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, declined to approve the venue for a lecture by Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections. The university management, represented by Abiodun Olarewaju from the public relations office, clarified that the decision was due to the short notice provided by the event organizers.

This lack of adequate time made it impossible for the university to arrange the necessary security and logistical support required for hosting a high-profile individual like Obi. The university noted that safety protocols must be adhered to and that the decision was not a reflection of any disregard for Obi's status.

The cancellation of the event is part of a troubling pattern, as similar cancellations have occurred approximately ten times previously, raising concerns about the engagement of Nigerian universities in intellectual discourse.