Owo, Ondo State — Following widespread public debate, the Olowo-in-Council has confirmed that the controversial demolition of the Owo Memorial Park was carried out at the directive of His Imperial Majesty, the Olowo of Owo, with the full support of the kingdom’s traditional council and many community members.
The park, constructed in memory of the over 40 victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, had drawn emotional significance for many but also faced longstanding cultural resistance.
In a statement from the palace, the council clarified that the siting of the park near the palace defied Owo’s traditional norms and was originally opposed by the community and the palace during the administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
> “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,” the council stated.
Local reactions remain mixed.
Chief Adebayo Ogunmolasuyi, a senior member of the Olowo-in-Council, elaborated on the traditional concerns:
> “Our culture does not permit any form of monument to the dead so close to the palace. It was an abomination from the beginning. The recent action is not political; it is cultural and spiritual.”
However, others in the community expressed shock and disappointment.
> “That park was a sacred space for us. It helped us grieve,” said Mrs. Rachael Ogunleye, who lost her sister in the 2022 attack. “We visited it to pray, to remember. To tear it down without public consultation feels like another loss.”
Rev. Father Michael Ajibola, a priest at St. Francis Catholic Church, urged for greater dialogue going forward:
> “We understand the importance of tradition, but there must be a balance. Healing also has spiritual and emotional dimensions, and memorials help communities remember and heal.”
While Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been criticized in some quarters for allowing the demolition, the palace clarified that he had no part in initiating it.
> “We advise anyone with any issues whatsoever against the demolition to make the palace their target and not the listening Governor,” the statement added.
Despite the backlash, some community members have voiced support for the palace’s action.
> “That park was a mistake from the beginning. It should never have been built there,” said Olumide Adekunle, a local youth leader. “I support the Olowo. Tradition must be respected.”
The Olowo-in-Council announced it would soon release a comprehensive account of events leading up to and during the park’s construction and demolition.
In the meantime, residents of Owo continue to grapple with how best to honor the memory of the victims while upholding the town’s ancient customs.
