The Catholic Diocese of Ondo and Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, have strongly condemned the demolition of the Owo Memorial Park, a monument erected in honour of victims of the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
The park, which was commissioned by the Akeredolu-led administration as a public site for remembrance and healing, was razed over the weekend on the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The action reportedly followed a request from the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, who argued that the location of the park was inconsistent with traditional and cultural practices of the town.
In a strongly worded statement, Bishop Jude Arogundade of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo described the demolition as an affront to human dignity and collective memory.
“The destruction of the Memorial Park is a violation of our shared values and the sacred memory of 41 innocent souls who lost their lives in a senseless act of terror,” the bishop said.
“The park was a symbol of hope, healing, and unity—established lawfully by the state government and jointly commissioned by both the Church and the state.”
The Diocese emphasized that the park was not just a Christian project but a civic space intended to foster reflection and communal healing following the unprecedented massacre.
Adding her voice to the outrage, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu took to her official Facebook page in a video statement, accusing both the state government and traditional leadership of betraying the memory of her late husband.
“This is not just about a demolished park—it is about erasing the legacy of a man who gave so much to Owo and Ondo State,” she lamented.
“It is particularly painful that the Olowo, who was installed by my husband, would permit such an act of dishonour.”
Mrs. Akeredolu described the move as a deliberate attempt to diminish her husband’s contributions and called the demolition “an insult to the souls of the victims and to every effort made toward peace.”
The demolition has sparked widespread debate and polarized public opinion. While some traditionalists argue that the park’s location contravened cultural norms, critics see the move as politically motivated and an attempt to rewrite history.
