••• No Notice, No Mercy: Owo Memorial Park Demolished Without Warning
In a move that has stirred public outrage and deepened communal grief, the Catholic Diocese of Ondo has issued a strong official statement condemning the unexpected demolition of the Owo Memorial Park — a site dedicated to the victims of the tragic June 5, 2022, massacre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, called the demolition “a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life” and “unacceptable.”
The statement, addressed to the faithful and the general public, revealed that the Diocese has formally written to the Governor of Ondo State, requesting an audience and demanding clarification — but has yet to receive a response over 72 hours later.
“The site, established by the State Government, served as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and healing,” the Bishop stated. “Its demolition seems to have renewed the pain of everyone who was affected by the attack — and justifiably so.”
Government Yet to Respond
The Diocese is seeking answers to three major questions: Why the government changed its stance on the park’s existence, whether the demolition is part of a relocation or permanent removal plan, and what future memorial arrangements the state has for the massacre victims.
The Church emphasized that the Memorial Park — though often misunderstood as a burial site due to its proximity to the Palace — was never a graveyard and was officially blessed and commissioned by both state and Church authorities.
A Call for Dialogue, Not Division
While emotions run high, the Diocese reiterated its commitment to peace and constructive engagement. The Bishop urged the public to remain calm, stressing the importance of due process and factual information.
“Our silent approach is rooted in respect for due process, dialogue, and communal harmony,” the statement read.
National Concern Over Sacred Memory
The Owo Memorial Park stood as a symbol of resilience and unity after the 2022 terrorist attack that claimed 41 lives and wounded dozens.
The demolition, carried out allegedly in collaboration with the Olowo of Owo, has sparked fresh public mourning and widespread calls for transparency.
As tensions simmer, the Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the memory of the victims and fostering healing in a community still bearing the scars of an unthinkable tragedy.
