THE Catholic Diocese of Ondo and Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late former governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, have strongly condemned the recent demolition of the Owo Memorial Park, describing it as a desecration of the memory of victims of the 2022 church massacre.
The park, built by the Akeredolu administration in honour of the 41 victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, was demolished on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The move followed a request by the Olowo of Owo, who said the park’s location contradicted local culture and tradition.
In a statement signed by the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, the Church expressed deep disappointment, calling the action a “violation of our common respect for the dignity of life.”
The Diocese emphasized that the park was a legitimate, state-sanctioned site of communal healing, commissioned by both government and church authorities.
Betty Akeredolu, in a video shared via Facebook, criticized the demolition as an attempt to erase her late husband’s legacy.
She accused the Olowo of hypocrisy, noting that her husband was instrumental in his installation as monarch.
The incident has since stirred controversy, with opinions divided across the state. While some defend the demolition on cultural grounds, others believe it undermines the efforts of the former administration and dishonours the memory of the slain worshippers.