Catholic Diocese Slams Ondo Govt Over Owo Memorial Park Demolition

By Oluronke Kuku

A heated controversy has erupted between the Ondo State Government and the Catholic Diocese of Ondo over the demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo, built to honor victims of the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church.

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The Memorial Park was demolished on Saturday, June 21, reportedly on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, following protests from the Olowo-in-Council and various segments of the Owo community. They claimed the park’s location was against the town’s cultural norms, as it was situated in front of the palace and constructed in the replica image of a cemetery.

The state government justified the demolition, stating that the land originally belonged to AgroMore Limited, owned by the current Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, before it was acquired for public use.

However, the government later realized procedural errors were made in taking possession of the land. After discussions with the Olowo-in-Council, the government decided to reverse the faulty revocation and return the land to its rightful owner.

The Catholic Diocese of Ondo condemned the demolition, describing it 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”.

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Bishop Jude Arogundade expressed shock that the park was demolished without prior consultation or notice, despite the diocese’s letter to the governor seeking an explanation.

The state government responded to the diocese’s statement, accusing Bishop Arogundade of negating the cordial relationship established with religious leaders.

The government claimed the diocese’s letter was submitted 48 hours prior to the public statement, and the bishop’s tone could incite the public against the government. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has commissioned a team to make arrangements for a new cenotaph at a location acceptable to the people of Owo.

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