The Ondo State Government has demolished the memorial park built by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in honour of victims of the June 2022 terrorist attack at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the demolition following a formal request from the Olowo of Owo and his council, who objected to the cenotaph’s proximity to the palace, citing cultural and traditional concerns.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the demolition, explaining that the decision respected local customs. “It was a special request from the palace, which said it is against tradition to site such a monument near the royal residence,” he said.
The cenotaph, which listed the names of those killed in the attack, was erected by Akeredolu’s administration in 2023 as a lasting tribute to the slain worshippers. However, the Olowo-in-Council insisted it had strongly opposed the park’s location from the start.
In a statement, the palace said:
“The request for demolition came from His Imperial Majesty, the Olowo of Owo, and the good people of the kingdom. We advised against locating a monument for the dead near the palace, which contravenes Owo’s culture and tradition.”
It also revealed that protests by youths and community stakeholders during Akeredolu’s tenure were ignored. “Despite repeated objections, the late governor went ahead. Now, the widespread commendation following the demolition has vindicated our stance.”
The palace urged critics of the demolition to address their grievances to the royal court and not Governor Aiyedatiwa, who they described as merely honouring a cultural obligation.
Over 40 worshippers were killed and dozens injured in the church attack in June 2022. The memorial, intended as a symbol of remembrance, has now become the centre of a cultural controversy.
The Olowo-in-Council promised to release further details about the events surrounding the memorial’s construction and demolition in due course.