The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has faulted the demolition of the cenotaph built by the state government in honour of the victims of the gruesome June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on worshippers at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.
The cenotaph, built by the administration of the departed former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to immortalise the victims, was pulled down few days ago by the state government reportedly on the advice of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
The Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade, accused the state government led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the royal father of demolishing the memorial park without prior notice or consultation with the church.
In a statement, which he signed, the Bishop said that Catholic faithful and the public are saddened by the demolition, which according to him has renewed the pain of everyone who was affected by the deadly attack.
Arogundade’s words, “Immediately we heard of the demolition, the diocese wrote a letter to His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, seeking an official audience to understand the reasons behind the demolition of the Memorial Park and to seek clarification about its future.
“As of this statement, over 72 hours have passed, and no reply has been received from the governor’s office.
“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 of Ondo unequivocally condemns and finds unacceptable the sudden and unannounced demolition of the Memorial Park in Owo.
“This site, established by the state government, served as a neutral and communal space for remembrance, reflection, and communal healing after the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack.
“We recall that when protests arose last year regarding the site, the diocese issued a statement clarifying that the space was a memorial park, not a graveyard.
“In the letter, the misunderstanding by those who thought it was a burial ground, especially due to its proximity to the palace, was addressed openly, and an appeal was made for understanding and mutual respect.
“The site was legitimately acquired and developed by the state government and publicly designated as a memorial park for honouring the victims.
“It was commissioned and blessed by the state government and the church, respectively.
“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 without any prior notice, consultation, or official dialogue with the church.”
The bishop stated that he is expecting an official audience with Aiyedatiwa regarding the official explanation for the government’s sudden change of mind to demolish the Memorial Park in Owo.
He said, “Clarification as to whether the site is being vacated for relocation, redevelopment, or permanent removal. Information about any future state government plans for a memorial site in honour of the victims of the June 5, 2022, massacre.
“The diocese wishes to assure the faithful and the public that we do not take their concern for granted.
“Our silent approach is rooted in respect for due process, dialogue, and constructive engagement, aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and maintaining peace, mutual respect, and communal understanding within the state.
“The Catholic Diocese of Ondo remains committed to honouring the memories of the departed, fostering communal healing, and working with authorities and stakeholders to maintain peace and mutual respect within the state.
“We trust that through open dialogue and respect for due process, this matter will be resolved in a manner that upholds the dignity of the victims and the collective heritage of our people”.
