The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has strongly condemned the demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo, built to honour the victims of the June 5, 2022, massacre at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
The park was demolished on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, following a request by the Olowo of Owo, who claimed the location contradicted the town’s culture and tradition.
Described the demolition as a “violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed”.
The Diocese expressed disappointment that the State Government didn’t consult with them before demolishing the park.
Also, the widow of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu condemned the demolition, describing it as an attempt to “rubbish” her husband’s legacy.
She criticised the Olowo of Owo, accusing him of hypocrisy and questioning his motives.
Claimed the demolition was necessary to restore the dignity of Owo’s culture and that the land originally belonged to AgroMore Limited, owned by the Olowo of Owo.
They stated that discussions were ongoing to build a new cenotaph at a location acceptable to the people of Owo.
The Olowo of Owo and the Ondo State Government cited cultural concerns, stating that the memorial park’s location near the palace was taboo and contradicted the town’s traditions.
The government claimed procedural errors were made during the acquisition of the land for the memorial park, which led to its demolition.
The demolition has sparked debate, with some viewing it as an attempt to undermine the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu’s administration.
