The Ondo State Government has demolished the Memorial Park built to honor the victims of the 2022 Owo church massacre, where over 40 worshippers lost their lives in a brutal attack during Sunday Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
The memorial park, constructed opposite the Olowo of Owo’s palace by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was razed following complaints from the Olowo’s palace, which viewed the cenotaph’s proximity as a violation of Yoruba cultural tradition.
A viral video captured the demolition, showing bulldozers tearing down the structure with the names of the victims inscribed on it.
The government said the demolition followed a special request from the palace of the Olowo.
“It was a special request from the palace of the Olowo as it is said to be against the culture and tradition to site such near the palace,” said Ebenezer Adeniyan, spokesman to the state governor.
The people of Owo had described the location of the park as inappropriate, stating that “it is a taboo for the monarch to sight such.”
Many residents welcomed the demolition, saying it would be better to relocate the memorial park.
The state government has pledged to build a new memorial elsewhere to honor the victims.
“This is not desecration, but a restoration of cultural balance. A modern market will rise in its place to serve our people, while the monument is being respectfully relocated within Owo,” Adeniyan added.