OAU Explains Why Obi’s Lecture Was Canceled

The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has explained why it refused to approve the request of the Labour Party, LP 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi to use its facility for a lecture event.

The University management said in a statement on Sunday,  signed by its spokesperson, Abiodun Olanrewaju that the organisers of the lecture failed to give it an ample time to prepare. As such, the University said, the organisers denied it enough time to vet the calibre of the individuals who were billed to attend the lecture.

Recall that Obi had condemned the university’s action, saying it has become a pattern for universities in the country to deny the opposition leaders from using their premises for events, describing the development as very worrying and unacceptable.

Obi disclosed that he  has been denied 10 times by ivory towers in the country to use their premises for engagement, noting that the development “should concern all well-meaning Nigerians.”

Reacting, Olanrewaju said the organisers of the programme should be blamed for what happened, saying the institution was given a very short notice about the engagement, as such security agencies, such as the DSS, police and others could not be informed to prepare for the event.

“The general public is hereby informed that a particular group within the Students’ body extended an invitation to the former presidential candidate and two-term governor of Anambra State to deliver a lecture within the University premises,” OAU said.

Adding, “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), to ensure the safety of the guests, members of the university community and the general public.

“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

“It is not, in any way, a reflection of disregard for the person or status of His Excellency, Peter Obi, whom the university holds in high esteem.”

The magazine had earlier reported that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike recently failed to approve the request of the major opposition political party in the country, the ADC to use the Eagle Square, Abuja, the nation’s capital for its National Convention.

The action drew sharp condemnation from not a few well-meaning Nigerians who contend that the opposition should not be denied the use of public properties, so long they have met the requirements.