A memorial garden created to commemorate the victims of the 2022 Owo church attack, which claimed the lives of over 40 attendees at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, has been demolished by the Ondo State Government.

As you may remember, the memorial park was built by the administration of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the late former governor of Ondo, in remembrance of the more than 40 worshippers who were slain in the attack.

However, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered the demolition after Olowo of Owo Oba Ajibade Ogunoye complained that the memorial’s proximity to the palace constituted a “abomination” and a cultural taboo.

It is prohibited for the monarch to see such, according to the Owo people, who also deemed the park’s location unsuitable.

Ebenezer Adeniyan, the state governor’s spokesperson, confirmed the demolition in an interview on Sunday, stating that the government made the decision in response to the palace’s objections regarding the cenotaph’s location.

“It was a special request from the palace of the Olowo as it is said to be against the culture and tradition to site such near the palace.”

Former First Lady of Ondo Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has expressed her fury over the demolition, calling it a grave act of insensitivity and a defilement of hallowed land.

“What kind of leadership defiles the memory of innocent souls in such a callous manner? Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s demolition of the Owo church massacre monument is not only an act of profound insensitivity; it is a desecration of sacred ground,” the former Ondo first lady said as Ondo government demolishes memorial park.