Ondo State Government Demolishes Owo Church Attack Memorial, Sparks Outcry
The Ondo State Government has ignited a firestorm of controversy following the recent demolition of the memorial park dedicated to victims of the horrific June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from the Catholic Church, the family of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and concerned citizens.
The memorial park, a cenotaph erected by the late Governor Akeredolu to honor the lives lost in the tragic attack, was torn down last weekend. A viral video showing bulldozers razing the site quickly circulated, sparking immediate public outcry and reigniting painful memories of the massacre.
Government Justifies Demolition, Citing Cultural Taboo
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's administration has defended the demolition, stating it was necessary to "restore the dignity of Owo's culture and the original purpose of the site." According to the government, there were "procedural errors" in the land acquisition by the previous administration, asserting that the land rightfully belongs to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, and AgroMore Limited.
The government further explained that the demolition was prompted by protests from the Olowo-in-Council and Owo indigenes. They viewed the cenotaph's location directly opposite the palace, resembling a cemetery, as a cultural taboo. The government maintains that the Olowo of Owo and AgroMore Limited carried out the demolition with official approval.
Catholic Church and Akeredolu's Widow Condemn Act
The Catholic Diocese of Ondo, through Bishop Jude Arogundade, has vehemently condemned the demolition, calling it a "violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory" of the victims. The Bishop stated that the site was legitimately acquired and designated as a memorial park, expressing profound disappointment that the demolition occurred without prior notice or dialogue with the Church.
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late Governor Akeredolu, also weighed in, describing the demolition as an act of "profound insensitivity" and "moral bankruptcy." She called it a blatant attempt to "rubbish" her husband's legacy, who had championed the creation of the memorial.
Relocation Plans Announced Amidst Lingering Tensions
Amidst the swirling controversy, the Ondo State Government has announced plans to relocate the memorial park to a new, "culturally acceptable" site. A committee has been established to facilitate this relocation.
However, the issue remains highly contentious, with accusations of political motives and cultural insensitivity continuing to fuel the debate among all involved parties. The question of whether the new site will truly honor the victims and appease the aggrieved parties remains to be seen.
