Obafemi Awolowo University has explained that its decision to deny the use of Oduduwa Hall for a proposed lecture by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was based on safety considerations, orderliness, and established procedures. In a late Sunday statement signed by the school’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju,……
Obafemi Awolowo University has explained that its decision to deny the use of Oduduwa Hall for a proposed lecture by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was based on safety considerations, orderliness, and established procedures.
In a late Sunday statement signed by the school’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, OAU said the organisers and the guests notified the university of the event less than 24 hours before its scheduled date.
According to the statement, the institution explained that a student group had extended the invitation to Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State, to deliver a lecture on campus, and requested the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event.
The management, however, said it was not duly informed of the calibre of people visiting the campus to enable the provision of necessary logistical and security arrangements, including liaison with relevant authorities.
The statement reads, “The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the proposed lecture by His Excellency, Peter Obi, at the University.
“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.
“The University authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.”
The statement added, “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 guest, 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.”
The school management emphasised that the decision was taken purely in the interest of safety, orderliness and adherence to established protocols governing the use of University facilities, adding that 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 statement also revealed that the school’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, is committed to supporting intellectual engagements and hosting distinguished personalities, provided that due process is followed and adequate notice is given.
OAU urges members of the University community, students and the general public to always comply with laid-down procedures in planning events within the University, saying, “we all are partners in progress for the overall development of the University.”
