Management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has said it declined approval for the proposed venue of a lecture to be delivered by Peter Obi because organisers gave short notice.
The university clarified on Sunday through its Public Relations Officer Abiodun Olarewaju.
The response followed concerns raised by Mr Obi, who said there was a growing pattern of cancelled engagements at Nigerian universities.
In a statement shared on X on Saturday, Obi said he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at the university by 9am before travelling to Ibadan for an opposition parties’ summit, but was later informed that the event had been called off.
The former Anambra State governor said the incident was not isolated, adding that similar cancellations had happened more than 10 times.
“This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
However, the university said organisers did not provide enough details about the event and the guest until Friday, a day before the programme.
According to the institution, the late notice made it impossible to complete security and logistical arrangements needed for the visit, including coordination with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
“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,” the statement said.
The university added that because of the short notice, it could not approve the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event.
It said the decision was based on safety concerns and established procedures and was not intended as a slight against Peter Obi.
