Why We Demolished Owo Cenotaph — Aiyedatiwa replies Catholic Bishop

••• Cites Land Ownership, Cultural Taboos

The Ondo State Government has explained that the recent demolition of the Memorial Cenotaph in Owo was carried out due to land ownership issues and deep-rooted cultural concerns, not as an act of disrespect toward the victims of the June 5, 2022 terror attack or the Catholic Diocese of Ondo.

According to a statement released by Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in Thursday, the land on which the cenotaph was built legally belongs to AgroMore Limited, a company owned by the current Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, prior to his ascension. The land was initially acquired by the government in 2010 but was re-allocated to its original owner in 2021 under the late Governor Akeredolu’s administration.

However, no official revocation of that re-allocation was made before construction of the cenotaph began. This procedural lapse, combined with growing cultural opposition from the Olowo-in-Council and the people of Owo, prompted the state government to take action.

Cenotaph Seen as Culturally Offensive

Though no bodies were buried at the site, the cenotaph carried names and inscriptions resembling a cemetery, which the Olowo’s palace and several Owo residents considered a taboo—especially given its location directly in front of the palace and at the heart of the town.

“The demolition was not an isolated action by the government,” the statement noted. “It followed consultations with the Palace of the Olowo and reflected widespread protests by local residents who viewed the memorial’s placement as culturally inappropriate.”

The government also revealed that discussions about relocating the cenotaph began under the late Governor Akeredolu and were revived by Governor Aiyedatiwa upon assuming office. With an agreement reached between the Olowo-in-Council and the government, the land was formally returned to AgroMore Limited, and the demolition was carried out by the rightful owner, with government approval.

Catholic Diocese Reacted Prematurely—State Claims

The government’s statement came in response to a public circular issued by Bishop Jude Arogundade of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, who condemned the demolition and accused the government of being unresponsive. The state, however, described the Diocese’s position as premature and misleading, saying the Governor received the Diocese’s letter only 48 hours before the statement was made public—not the 72 hours claimed by the Diocese.

“We find it concerning that the Church went public so quickly without exhausting the available channels for dialogue,” the statement said.

Government Plans New Memorial Site

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who had earlier commissioned the memorial within St. Francis Catholic Church as Deputy Governor, reaffirmed his commitment to preserving the memory of the victims. He has directed relevant ministries to consult stakeholders and identify a more culturally appropriate location for a new memorial park.

A Call for Dialogue and Community Harmony

While acknowledging the emotional weight the cenotaph carries for the Catholic community and victims’ families, the government urged the Diocese to engage in constructive dialogue with state officials and the traditional leadership of Owo.

“The Church is part of the Owo community,” the statement concluded. “It must work in harmony with its host community and respect its cultural institutions. The government is committed to ensuring peaceful coexistence among all stakeholders in the state.”