The Ondo Catholic Diocese has condemned what it described as the “sudden and unannounced”; demolition of the memorial park in Owo.
This was contained in an official statement signed by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Jude Arogundade.
DAILY POST reported that the memorial park, built by the late former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State to honour and immortalise worshippers of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, who were killed three years ago, was demolished by the state government on the order of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
However, the church stated that the action by the Ondo State Government violated communal respect for human dignity and the memory of the victims.
The diocese expressed shock that the park, which was publicly commissioned by the state government and blessed by the church, could be demolished without prior consultation or notice.
“There is no doubt that the demolition is 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,”; the Catholic diocese stated.
It added that it had written to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seeking an official explanation for the action, but, over 72 hours later, had received no response.
The church said the purpose of the requested audience was to seek clarity on the demolition, the government’s reasons, and whether any plans exist to establish another memorial.
“It was legitimately acquired and developed by the state government and designated as a memorial park. The faithful and the general public were shocked and deeply saddened that the state government, in collaboration with the Olowo, chose to demolish the site,”; the church stated.
While urging calm and assuring the public of its commitment to dialogue, the Catholic diocese emphasised its preference for “due process, mutual respect, and constructive engagement”; in resolving the matter peacefully.
DAILY POST recalls that the memorial park was built following the June 2022 church attack.
The incident left over 40 people dead and dozens injured, drawing national and international condemnation.
