OAU denies embarrassing Peter Obi, justifies aborted lecture
Obafemi Awolowo University Denies Claims of Disrespecting Peter Obi Over Cancelled Lecture
ILE-IFE, Nigeria — The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has refuted allegations that it embarrassed former presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding a planned lecture. This clarification was made in a press statement issued by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Sunday.
According to the statement, a student group had invited Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, to speak on campus. However, Olarewaju noted that university officials were not informed about the invitation or the guest’s status until Friday, just one day before the scheduled event.
“Events involving high-profile personalities require adequate prior notice to enable proper planning and coordination,” Olarewaju explained. He emphasized that timely notifications are crucial to facilitate logistical and security arrangements, including coordination with the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services.
Due to the limited notice, the university was unable to finalize the necessary preparations and consequently did not authorize the use of Oduduwa Hall for the lecture. Olarewaju stated that this decision was made solely in the interest of safety, orderliness, and adherence to established procedures, not as a sign of disrespect towards Obi, whom the institution holds in high regard.
The Vice Chancellor, Adebayo Simeon Bamire, reiterated OAU’s commitment to hosting distinguished figures, provided that all protocols are observed. The university also urged students, staff, and the general public to follow established procedures when organizing events on campus.
