OAU management explains denial of venue for Peter Obi's lecture due to short notice

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University has clarified its decision to deny a venue for a lecture by Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the last election. The institution's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that the organizers provided insufficient details about the event and the guest until the day before the scheduled lecture.

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This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians.

This short notice, Olarewaju explained, made it impossible for the university to complete the necessary security and logistical arrangements. Such high-profile events require prior notification to allow for proper liaison with security agencies like the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the safety of guests and the wider community.

The university stressed that the decision was made in the interest of safety and adherence to established protocols. It was not intended as a slight against Mr. Obi's person or status. The institution emphasized that adequate prior notification is crucial for events involving prominent figures to guarantee a secure environment.

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It is important to note that events involving high-profile personalities of such standing require adequate prior notification to the university authorities because it will enable the institution to make necessary logistical and security arrangements, including proper liaison with relevant security agencies such as the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), in order to ensure the safety of the guests, members of the university community and the general public.

This explanation comes after Mr. Obi voiced concerns about a recurring pattern of cancelled engagements at Nigerian universities. He warned that such incidents could potentially stifle intellectual freedom, suggesting that the cancellations were more than just coincidental and pointed to a troubling trend that should concern all Nigerians.

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Consequently, given the short notice and the attendant inability to complete these critical arrangements, the university authorities could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event as requested by the organisers.