The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has explained why it cancelled a proposed lecture by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying the organisers failed to give adequate notice.
According to the university, details of the event and Obi’s participation were only officially communicated on Friday, less than 24 hours before the scheduled programme on Saturday morning.
It said this short notice made it impossible to complete necessary arrangements.
The institution noted that events involving high-profile guests require proper planning, especially coordination with security agencies such as the police and the Department of State Services, to ensure safety and order.
Obi had earlier said he was scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture at the university before travelling to Ibadan for an opposition leaders’ summit.
After the cancellation, he described the situation as part of a worrying pattern affecting similar engagements.
However, the university’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, insisted that the decision was based strictly on procedure and not on any political or personal considerations.
He added that approval for the use of Oduduwa Hall was denied because the required protocols for hosting such a major event were not followed in time.