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Controversy Erupts Over Demolition of Owo Church Attack Memorial

Ondo State government has demolished the Owo terror attack memorial due to cultural reasons, provoking widespread public backlash.

Reactions have trailed the demolition of the memorial park constructed by the late Governor of Ondo State Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) to immortalise the victims of the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owaluwa street, Owo.

The attack, which left at least 40 worshippers dead, attracted public outcry and condemnation from local and international organisations.

As seen in a viral video, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration demolished the memorial park on Saturday, with a bulldozer tearing down the cenotaph inscribed with the victims’ names.

It was further gathered that Ondo State government demolished the memorial Park, calling it an ‘abomination’ after pressure from the Olowo of  Owo Oba Ajibade Gbadegesi Ogunoye, citing the proximity of a burial site to the palace as the reason

However, the move did not go down well with many residents who condemned the decision.

Specifically, the former governor’s wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, in a statement queried the action of the Aiyedatiwa-led government, saying no society erases its pain to make way for profit.

Her words: “What kind of leadership defiles the memory of innocent souls in such a callous manner? Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s demolition of the Owo church massacre monument is not only an act of profound insensitivity; it is a desecration of sacred ground.

“That monument, built by my late husband, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, a son of Owo, was a solemn tribute to lives violently cut short in a house of worship. It symbolised collective mourning, remembrance, and healing,” the former first lady said.

Also, the former spokesperson to Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, faulted the demolition, saying the action will undoubtedly reopen wounds in the hearts of the victims’ families.

“The tragic incident of June 5, 2022, was an international tragedy. Given its sensitive nature, I believe the government should have exercised greater caution in demolishing the park. This action will undoubtedly reopen wounds in the hearts of the victims’ families.

“Word from the government’s media folks is that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered the demolition at the request of the Olowo -in-Council, citing the proximity of a burial site to the palace as the reason. While the palace has neither confirmed nor denied this claim, let us assume, for now, that the state government’s media handlers have accurately presented the facts.”

He clarified that, “No bodies or corpses are buried at the memorial park. The park was constructed to celebrate the lives and memories of the departed souls. Not a single body was interred there.

“The late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, convened a meeting with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III his chiefs, and political appointees from Owo, where he outlined his vision for the park. He explicitly stated that no corpses would be buried there and sought the Olowo’s approval. He also offered an alternative: if the Olowo was not comfortable with the proposed location, the park could be relocated to Ijebu-Owo or other areas in the town. The Olowo and his chiefs agreed to the chosen site. I was present at that meeting.

“When the late Governor Akeredolu built the park, he was not playing politics. He acted solely on what he believed was necessary and appropriate. It is sad that some government appointees are now injecting political undertones into this matter. This is very unfortunate.”

However, the Olowo of Owo, Ajibade Ogunoye, stated that the demolition of the memorial park was at the instance of the palace and the entire good people of the Owo kingdom.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Sam Adewale, the monarch said the location of the structure had earlier been resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and natives.

“And before then, we advise anyone with any issues whatsoever against the demolition to make the palace their target and not the governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who is not in any way responsible for the demolition,” the monarch said.

In a swift response, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the palace had formally requested the demolition through the local government council.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who spoke through his spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, explained that the memorial park was destroyed after the palace cited its location as a “taboo” to Yoruba culture and values.

“In line with this tradition, the Olowo-in-Council, through the local government authority, formally requested the removal and relocation of the monument.

“Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, with due respect to both the late governor’s legacy and the sanctity of Yoruba culture, approved the respectful relocation of the monument to a more appropriate location—one that still preserves its solemn purpose without violating cultural norms,” he said.

Fidelis David

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