The Ondo State Government has demolished the Memorial Park built to honour victims of the St Francis Xavier Catholic Church massacre in Owo.
The park, constructed by the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was pulled down following orders from the current administration.
The cenotaph, erected in 2023, bore the names of over 40 victims who were killed during a deadly attack by gunmen in June 2022.
The incident, which occurred during a Sunday Mass, left many others severely injured and shocked the nation.
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A viral video over the weekend showed heavy machinery demolishing the park, which was located in the centre of Owo town, directly opposite the palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
In response to public outcry, the Ondo State Government confirmed the demolition.
The spokesperson to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, explained that the action followed 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 said in an interview on Sunday.
The late Governor Akeredolu had inaugurated the park in 2023, describing it as a symbol of remembrance and a commitment to justice for the victims.
However, opposition soon emerged, particularly concerning the park’s location.
Community members and traditional leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the siting of the memorial, insisting it was culturally inappropriate for the monarch to overlook such a structure.
“It is a taboo for the monarch to sight such,” some residents stated.
Oba Ajibade Ogunoye had reportedly voiced his objections during the planning phase, though the former administration proceeded with the project regardless of the concerns.
Efforts to relocate the memorial were not initiated by the previous government, leading to ongoing tensions until the recent demolition ordered by Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration.
As of press time, the state government has not indicated whether the memorial will be reconstructed at a new location or if alternative plans are being considered to honour the victims.
