The Ondo State Government has demolished the memorial park built by the late former Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, in honour of victims of the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.
The cenotaph, which was located directly opposite the Olowo of Owo’s palace, was pulled down on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the demolition, stating that it followed a formal request from the Olowo’s palace, which had raised objections over the siting of the structure near the palace.
According to him, “It was a special request from the palace of the Olowo as it is said to be against the culture and tradition to site such near the palace.”
In a separate statement, the Olowo-in-Council said the late Akeredolu’s administration was warned against building the cenotaph in that location but allegedly ignored advice from the palace and concerns raised by community members.
“All advice to the late governor that celebrating the dead around the palace is not in conformity with the age-long culture and traditions of Owo was dismissed,” the statement said.
The palace maintained that the decision to demolish the structure had the full support of the community.
Late Governor Akeredolu had ordered the construction of the park in 2023 to immortalise victims of the attack, which left over 40 worshippers dead and scores injured. The recent demolition has stirred reactions from some residents who saw the park as a symbol of remembrance for the tragic incident.
