Late Gov Akeredolu Disregarded Advice Not To Build Memorial Park Near Palace – Olowo-In- Council

By Ayodele Oni

As controversy rages over demolition of the Memorial Park in honour of victims of June 5, 2022, terrorists attack in Owo, Ondo State, Oba Ogunoye has claimed responsibility for the demolition.

The Olowo in Council, a group of Chiefs advising the Olowo, maintained that the move to construct the edifice close to the Palace was earlier resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and frowned upon by the people of the community.

“In view of the public reactions generated by the demolition of the Memorial Park supposedly built in honour of the June 5th, 2022 murderous attack victims at St Francis Catholic church in Owo, the Palace wishes to say unequivocally that the request for this action was at the instance of His Imperial Majesty, Olowo of Owo and the entire good people of the kingdom.

“It must be made clear that the decision to site the structure in that particular location was resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and frowned upon by the people of the community when it was being conceived by the Government of the late Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON.

“All advice to the late Governor that celebrating the dead in any guise around the Palace is not in conformity with the age-long culture and traditions of Owo was defiantly dismissed.

“Even at a time a protest was made by concerned Owo youths and stakeholders to that effect which the then Governor disregarded.

“The above position of the Palace is vindicated by the enthusiasm shown by Owo people and the deluge of commendation across  sundry media platforms in support of the demolition.

“The Olowo-in-Council will soon come out to avail the public with the comprehensive details of all that happened before and during the construction of the structure which led to the current development.

“And before then, we advise anyone with any issues whatsoever against the demolition to make the Palace their target and not the listening Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who is not in anyway responsible for the demolition.”