The Catholic Diocese of Ondo and Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the widow of the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, have strongly condemned the demolition of the Memorial Park built in Owo. This park was erected in honor of the victims of the tragic June 5, 2022, massacre at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
The memorial park, commissioned by the administration of the late Governor Akeredolu, was recently demolished on the orders of the current Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This action followed a request from the Olowo of Owo, the paramount ruler of the town, who claimed the park’s location contradicted Owo’s culture and tradition.
Strong Condemnation from the Catholic Diocese
In an official statement, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, expressed the Diocese’s profound condemnation and disappointment over the demolition. He described the act as a “violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share of our 41 brothers and sisters who were unjustly killed.”
Bishop Arogundade highlighted that the Memorial Park was established by the State Government as a “neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing” after the horrific terrorist attack. He stressed that “The site was legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government and publicly designated as a Memorial Park for honoring the victims. It was commissioned and blessed by the state government and the Church, respectively.”
Akeredolu’s Widow Voices Outrage
Adding her voice to the condemnation, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu posted a video on her official Facebook page, expressing deep sorrow and outrage over the demolition. She described it as an attempt to “rubbish” her late husband’s legacy.
Mrs. Akeredolu specifically criticized the Olowo of Owo, accusing him of hypocrisy and questioning his motives for allowing such a dishonor to her husband’s memory. She further claimed that the Olowo of Owo had been installed by her husband, making his current stance particularly perplexing to her.
The demolition of the memorial park last weekend has ignited widespread debate and divergent views across the state and beyond.
