The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has expressed strong condemnation over the recent demolition of the Memorial Park built in honour of victims of the June 5, 2022, massacre at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.
The Memorial Park, which was constructed by the late former Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was pulled down on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The decision followed a request from the Olowo of Owo, the town’s paramount ruler, who argued that the park’s location was in conflict with the community’s cultural and traditional values.
In a statement signed by the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, the Diocese expressed deep disappointment over the demolition, describing it as an act that disrespects the memory of the massacre victims and disregards the feelings of the affected families.
