The Ondo State Government has responded to a public statement issued by the Catholic Diocese of Ondo over the recent demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo, describing portions of the Church’s claims as misleading and inciting.
In a formal reaction signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the government took issue with a circular released by the Diocese and signed by Bishop Jude Arogundade, which condemned the demolition of the cenotaph erected in memory of victims of the June 5, 2022, St. Francis Church terror attack.
While acknowledging the Diocese’s concerns, the state government expressed dismay over what it termed the Bishop’s premature resort to public accusations despite open communication lines with religious leaders in the state. It noted that a letter from the Diocese seeking an audience with the governor was submitted on Monday, June 23, 2025, but that the Diocese issued its public circular just two days later—on Wednesday, June 25.
According to the government, the circular falsely implied a 72-hour silence on its part and was interpreted as issuing an ultimatum. “It is concerning,” the statement reads, “that despite not pursuing other channels to reach Mr. Governor, the Bishop chose to make a public pronouncement that paints the government as unresponsive in a tone that could incite public sentiment.”
Addressing the matter further, the statement clarified that the decision to bring down the cenotaph followed consultations with the Olowo-in-Council and was rooted in cultural and legal concerns. It stated that the land where the Memorial Park was located had been returned to AgroMore Limited—a firm previously owned by Oba Ajibade Ogunoye before his ascension as Olowo of Owo—following an unresolved revocation and reallocation process.
It added that the community, including the traditional institution, had long protested the cenotaph’s location, citing cultural taboos about placing such a structure in front of the palace. Though no human remains were interred there, the park, built in the style of a cemetery, reportedly drew repeated objections from Owo residents.
The government maintained that the Diocese was aware of local resistance to the cenotaph, yet failed to engage the authorities in efforts to calm tensions. It also revealed that previous discussions about relocating the cenotaph had begun during former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s tenure but were sidelined due to his health challenges.
After Governor Aiyedatiwa took office, the state reportedly revisited the relocation talks in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Lands, and the Owo Local Government. With the Olowo’s approval, the land was returned to its original ownership, and the demolition was carried out accordingly.
The governor’s office emphasized that the move to demolish and eventually relocate the memorial was a carefully considered step aimed at balancing respect for the terror victims with local cultural sensibilities. It stressed that the administration remains committed to honouring the victims in a lawful and community-conscious manner.
Citing Governor Aiyedatiwa’s previous role in commissioning another memorial site within the St. Francis Church compound as Deputy Governor, the statement insisted that the current administration holds no animosity toward commemorating the victims of the attack.
The statement concluded with a call for the Catholic Diocese to eschew divisive rhetoric and instead engage the state government and traditional authorities constructively. “The Church is a part of the Owo community,” it said. “It must, therefore, live in peace with its host community and respect its traditional institution.”
Prince Adeniyan reaffirmed the state’s duty to protect all interests and foster harmony among its diverse communities.
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