A memorial park built by the late former Governor
Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to honour victims of the 2022 St. Francis Xavier Catholic
Church massacre in Owo has been demolished by the Ondo State Government.
The cenotaph, which bore the names of over 40
worshippers killed in the attack, was demolished on the orders of Governor
Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The park, located in the heart of Owo town directly opposite
the palace of the Olowo of Owo, was taken down over the weekend, sparking
public reactions after a video of the demolition went viral.
In June 2022, gunmen stormed the Catholic church
during morning mass, killing dozens and injuring many more in one of Nigeria’s
deadliest attacks on a place of worship. In 2023, the late Governor Akeredolu
constructed the memorial park to honour the victims and ensure their memory
lived on.
However, the location of the cenotaph had drawn
criticism from traditional authorities and local residents. The Olowo of Owo,
Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, reportedly objected to the siting of the memorial directly
in front of his palace, describing it as a violation of cultural norms.
Confirming the demolition on Sunday, the spokesperson
to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the government acted based on a formal
request from the palace.
“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,” Adeniyan stated.
The decision has stirred debate across the state, with
some defending the cultural concerns raised by the palace, while others view
the removal as an affront to the memory of the victims.
As of press time, no statement has been issued by the
Catholic Diocese of Ondo or the families of the victims regarding the
demolition.
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