The Olowo-in-Council has defended the recent demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo, which was built in remembrance of the victims of the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, describing its original construction as culturally inappropriate.
In a statement released by the palace, the Council revealed that the demolition was carried out on the directive of the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and had the backing of the people of the ancient kingdom.
The statement explained that the siting of the memorial near the Olowo’s palace was met with stiff resistance when it was first proposed during the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON. According to the Council, both community leaders and youth groups had voiced strong objections, citing traditional and cultural sensitivities that prohibit such monuments from being placed in close proximity to the palace.
Despite those concerns, the late governor went ahead with the project, a move the palace described as a “deviation from tradition” and a dismissal of community sentiment.
“The enthusiasm shown by the people of Owo and the wave of commendation on various media platforms following the demolition has vindicated the palace’s long-held position,” the statement noted.
The Olowo-in-Council also announced that it would soon release a comprehensive report detailing the events that led to the construction of the park and the rationale behind its removal.
Additionally, the Council appealed to critics to channel their grievances toward the palace, stressing that the current Governor of Ondo State, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, had no involvement in the demolition decision.
The demolition of the park has since sparked public debate, with opinions divided over the cultural implications and the memory of the tragic attack that claimed dozens of lives.
