DEMOLITION OF OWO MEMORIAL PARK: OLOWO-IN-COUNCIL SPEAKS

In view of the public reactions generated by the demolition of the Memorial Park supposedly built in honour of the June 5th, 2022 murderous attack victims at St Francis Catholic church in Owo, the Palace wish to say unequivocally that the request for this action was at the instance of His Imperial Majesty, Olowo of Owo and the entire good people of the kingdom.

It must be made clear that 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 when it was being conceived by the Government of the late Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON.
All advice to the late Governor that celebrating the dead in any guise around the palace is not in conformity with the age-long culture and traditions of Owo was defiantly dismissed. Even at a time a protest was made by concerned Owo youths and stakeholders to that effect which the then Governor disregarded.

The above position of the palace is vindicated by the enthusiasm shown by Owo people and the deluge of commendation across  sundry media platforms in support of the demolition.

The Olowo-in-Council will soon come out to avail the public with the comprehensive details of all that happened before and during the construction of the structure which led to the current development. And before then, we advise anyone with any issues whatsoever against the demolition to make the palace their target and not the listening Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who is not in anyway responsible for the demolition.

Richard Olatunde, former Chief Press Secretary to late Governor Akeredolu reacts

I have received numerous calls since yesterday from friends and professional colleagues regarding the demolition of the memorial park built to honour the victims of the horrific attack in Owo on June 5, 2022.

Word from the government’s media folks is that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered the demolition at the request of the Olowo -in-Council, citing the proximity of a burial site to the palace as the reason. While the palace has neither confirmed nor denied this claim, let us assume, for now, that the state government’s media handlers have accurately presented the facts.

Though I was initially reluctant to comment on this matter, it has become necessary for me to clarify the facts publicly and defend the actions and intentions of a man who sought only to honour the memories of the victims when he built the park.

Hence, these clarifications:

1.  No bodies or corpses are buried at the memorial park. The park was constructed to celebrate the lives and memories of the departed souls. Not a single body was interred there.

2.  The late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, convened a meeting with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III his chiefs, and political appointees from Owo, where he outlined his vision for the park. He explicitly stated that no corpses would be buried there and sought the Olowo’s approval. He also offered an alternative: if the Olowo was not comfortable with the proposed location, the park could be relocated to Ijebu-Owo or other areas in the town. The Olowo and his chiefs agreed to the chosen site. I was present at that meeting.

3.  When the late Governor Akeredolu built the park, he was not playing politics. He acted solely on what he believed was necessary and appropriate. It is sad that some government appointees are now injecting political undertones into this matter. This is very unfortunate.

4.  The tragic incident of June 5, 2022, was an international tragedy. Given its sensitive nature, I believe the government should have exercised greater caution in demolishing the park. This action will undoubtedly reopen wounds in the hearts of the victims’ families.

5.  The late Governor Akeredolu responded to the tragedy of June 5, 2022, with courage and resolve, doing what any responsible and responsive leader would do anywhere in the world. This demolition cannot erase his gallant efforts.

We will continue to remember the victims of the Owo massacre. They are martyrs who died serving God. May God continue to grant their souls eternal repose.