Owo Palace Explains Why Memorial Park Was Demolished

The Olowo-in-Council has broken its silence on the widely debated demolition of the Memorial Park erected in honour of victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State — citing deep cultural concerns and longstanding community opposition as key reasons for the move.

In a statement issued by the palace, the Council made it clear that the request for the park’s demolition emanated directly from the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye III and reflected the collective sentiment of the kingdom’s people.

The structure, situated near the palace, had been a source of quiet tension since its conception during the administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

According to the statement, the palace and other traditional authorities had opposed the location of the memorial from the outset, warning that celebrating the dead near the palace violated Owo’s age-long customs and spiritual traditions.

Despite their counsel, the project was carried forward by the late governor’s administration, with protests from concerned youths and other community stakeholders reportedly ignored.

“The decision to site the structure in that particular location was resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and frowned upon by the people of the community,” the palace stressed, adding that public applause for the park’s demolition has only validated the cultural stance taken by the traditional leadership.

While reactions to the demolition have been mixed nationally, the Olowo-in-Council said it has received widespread support from within the Owo community and across multiple media platforms. The palace also hinted at plans to release a comprehensive account detailing the events surrounding the controversial park — from its initial conception to its eventual demolition.

In a firm message to critics of the move, the Council emphasized that the current governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was only acting on a request from the traditional institution and should not be targeted for implementing the decision.

“Anyone with any issues whatsoever against the demolition should make the palace their target and not the listening Governor,” the statement said.

The Council’s intervention now places the spotlight on the clash between modern commemorative gestures and traditional cultural values — a tension that may shape how future monuments are proposed in culturally sensitive locations.