Book Launch Cancelled: Ifa Tuntun, Prof. Okediji Under Threat – “Academic Freedom Under Attack in Nigeria”

By Ademola Adekusibe

The Ifa Tuntun group has cancelled the book launch of Professor Moyo Okediji following security threats, expressing deep regret over what it described as attacks on academic freedom in Nigeria.

The event, which was scheduled to hold at Obafemi Awolowo University, was called off after the group received threats, raising concerns about the safety of scholars and the state of intellectual discourse in the country.

In a statement, Ifa Tuntun lamented the growing hostility towards academic freedom, warning that such threats could stifle intellectual growth and discourage critical scholarship.

“The cancellation of this event is a sad reflection of the state of academic freedom in Nigeria today. Scholars should be free to share their ideas without fear of intimidation or violence,” the group said.

The development has sparked widespread reactions, with many condemning the threats and calling on the government to protect academic spaces. Some have also expressed concern over the increasing militarisation of intellectual discourse, warning that Nigeria risks losing its brightest minds to fear and self-censorship.

Professor Okediji, a renowned scholar, has yet to comment on the cancellation.