Obidients are expressing displeasure after Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) refused to allow former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to have access to one of its halls for a lecture.

Obi had lamented the refusal by the federal institution, citing another instance involving the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

According to him, such was becoming a pattern that raises deeper questions about the kind of environment we are nurturing in our country.

He wrote on X, "While such occurrences may be dismissed in isolation, it is important to state clearly that this has now happened more than ten times. This is no longer incidental; it points to a troubling pattern that should concern all well-meaning Nigerians. My alma mater, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was not excluded. The family of one of the renowned UNN Vice Chancellor late Professor Frank Ndili had planned an annual lecture on his behalf and the inaugural lecture was to be delivered, but on the scheduled date it was cancelled by the University authority."

Reacting, OAU stated that notice for the event was not delivered to the management on time, adding that allowing such to hold could pose a security risk.

OAU said, "The University authorities were not duly informed of the status and calibre of the invited guest until Friday, just a day before the scheduled programme.

"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 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."

OAU's explanation didn't sit well with Obi's supporters, popularly known as Obidients. Taking to social media, they expressed their displeasure and accused the institution of bigotry.

An X user, @D_DeityHimself, said, "I thought this was an academic environment with lots of professors and PhD holders: if na students behave this way, what would you do? Present them before the senate and pronounce Expulsion or rustication on them. Tomorrow you will fight for respect for professors. Wait for it."

@gerald_chi33516 SAID, "No worries, make una chop the hall ooo, let it be on records that you allowed bigot and politics to get the better part of you. Congratulations once more for doing the will of your pay master. If na tinubu request am even if na mid night to the day you go run am for am. No issues."

@NC_Okonkwo said, "This is called damage control, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire was ordered by the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cancel Mr Peter Obi lecture, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hellbent in destroying our educational system and the entire South West with tribalism and bigotry. A man who has no formal education and certificate, trying to destroy our democracy and educational system with the help of the so-called Professors in Nigeria, the certificate forger-in-Chief and the international convicted drug baron must be stopped by all means."

@JoeJeffz said, "Tinubu is a disastrous human to be a president of any nation! Just look at how an institution of higher learning have been turned to a liar institution just because of one man........but you would want to suspend a student for malpractice or dismiss a student?? You posted this on your handle, and suddenly not aware @TheGreatestIFE. Nigerian masses and youths are ready to face Tinubu 2027."

@abn_charles said, "You people, even academia is joining hands to destroy the country. Shame! You should be apolitical because you’re the one molding leaders of today and tomorrow. How did we get here? For how long should we continue to destroy the fabric of what’s left of our society and education? I’m short of words."