Anger As Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Demolishes Owo Memorial Park Built By Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The demolition of a park built in memory of those killed by terrorists at Saint Andrew’s Catholic church in Owo, Ondo state three years ago by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has sparked fresh debate on rubbishing late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s legacies.

Bulldozer was moved down  last Saturday  to the site of the Memorial Park at Owo town in Ondo state and in a matter of hours, a cenotaph erected to honor the victims of the June 5, 2022, St. Francis Catholic Church massacre was reduced to rubble.

Erected under the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the memorial park was meant to stand as a solemn reminder of lives brutally cut short in a house of worship by terrorists.

The now-demolished memorial park was situated close to the palace of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, which was regarded as a taboo for such an edifice to be sited close to the palace.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s government claimed that the edifice was pulled down on the request of Owo monarch, Oba Ogunoye, whose permission was sought before erection.

However, one of the ex aides of late Akeredolu, Richard Olabode, explained that “The late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, convened a meeting with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III his chiefs, and political appointees from Owo, where he outlined his vision for the park.

“He explicitly stated that no corpses would be buried there and sought the Olowo’s approval. He also offered an alternative: if the Olowo was not comfortable with the proposed location, the park could be relocated to Ijebu-Owo or other areas in the town. The Olowo and his chiefs agreed to the chosen site.

“No bodies or corpses are buried at the memorial park. The park was constructed to celebrate the lives and memories of the departed souls. Not a single body was interred there.

“When the late Governor Akeredolu built the park, he was not playing politics. He acted solely on what he believed was necessary and appropriate.

“It is sad that some government appointees are now injecting political undertones into this matter. This is very unfortunate.

“The tragic incident of June 5, 2022, was an international tragedy. Given its sensitive nature, I believe the government should have exercised greater caution in demolishing the park. This action will undoubtedly reopen wounds in the hearts of the victims’ families.

“The late Governor Akeredolu responded to the tragedy of June 5, 2022, with courage and resolve, doing what any responsible and responsive leader would do anywhere in the world. This demolition cannot erase his gallant efforts.”