The Ondo State Government has responded to the public statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Ondo regarding the recent demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo, describing the diocese’s remarks as misleading and lacking full context.
In a statement released by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the government expressed concern over the tone and timing of the diocese’s reaction, particularly from the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade.
The government noted that the letter seeking dialogue with Governor Aiyedatiwa was submitted on Monday, June 23, 2025, while the diocese’s public circular was released just 48 hours later, on Wednesday, June 25. According to the statement, this contradicts the Diocese’s claim that 72 hours passed without a response.
The government further stated that Bishop Arogundade’s public communication gave an impression of hostility from the state, which, it said, could mislead the public and incite tensions.
Background to the Demolition
The state government clarified that the land on which the Memorial Park was constructed originally belonged to AgroMore Limited, a company owned by the current Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, before he ascended the throne. The land was acquired by the state under former Governor Olusegun Mimiko in 2010 for public use and later reallocated in 2021 by the Akeredolu administration back to its original owner.
The government revealed that the cenotaph was constructed without formal revocation of the land ownership, thereby creating procedural conflicts. Additionally, it cited complaints from the Olowo-in-Council and protests by various groups within Owo, who considered the siting of the memorial in front of the palace as culturally inappropriate.
Though no bodies were buried at the site, the memorial’s design, which included names of victims and cemetery-like features, was considered a taboo by the traditional institution.
The government also pointed out that discussions on relocating the cenotaph had begun during the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s administration but were stalled during his illness. Those engagements, it said, resumed under Governor Aiyedatiwa, leading to a consensus between the state and the Olowo-in-Council.
Demolition and Future Plans
The demolition, according to the statement, was carried out by the Olowo of Owo and AgroMore Limited, the land’s rightful owners, with the backing of the state government. Governor Aiyedatiwa has now directed the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, and the Owo Local Government to begin arrangements for a new cenotaph at a culturally acceptable location.
The government emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa remains committed to honouring the victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack. It noted that the Governor, while serving as Deputy Governor, had earlier commissioned a memorial park within the premises of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, where the attack took place.
Call for Dialogue
In closing, the government urged the Catholic Diocese to seek genuine dialogue with both the government and the Owo traditional institution rather than escalate tensions through public statements.
“The Church is part of the Owo community and must respect its traditions,” the statement said, urging all parties to work together in promoting healing, peace, and respect for the memories of the attack victims.