Owo memorial park demolition
The Catholic diocese of Ondo has condemned the demolition of the Owo Memorial Park by the state government.
The memorial, built to honour victims of the June 5, 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, was pulled down on Saturday on the orders of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo governor.
The structure was initially erected by the administration of the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
However, the current government said it acted following pressure from the Olowo of Owo and his council, who labelled the park’s location near the palace a cultural taboo and an abomination.
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In a statement, the Catholic diocese described the act as “a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life”.
It said it had written to the governor seeking an explanation for the demolition, but had not received a reply in the last 72 hours.
“Immediately we heard of the demolition, the Diocese wrote a letter to His Excellency…. over 72 hours have passed, and no reply has been received from the Governor’s office,” the statement reads.
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The church said the park had served as a communal space for remembrance and healing, and was not a burial ground, contrary to claims from those opposed to its location.
“We recall that when protests arose last year regarding the site, the diocese issued a statement making it clear that the space was a Memorial Park and NOT a graveyard,” it added.
The diocese also demanded an official explanation for the demolition, clarity on whether the site will be relocated or erased entirely, and details of any future plans to honour the victims’ memory.
On Monday, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the late ex-governor, also condemned the demolition, describing it as “an act of profound insensitivity” and a “desecration of sacred ground”.
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