The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has agreed to support the relocation of the demolished memorial park in Owo, which was originally constructed to honour the victims of the June 5, 2022 massacre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
This resolution was reached following a stakeholder meeting convened in Akure by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, where concerns surrounding the controversial demolition were addressed. According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the meeting brought together church leaders, traditional rulers, and top government officials.
Held at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, the dialogue included the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, the Bishop of Owo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, and other religious leaders including CAN Deputy Chairman, Bishop Ayodeji Komolafe. The Olowo-in-Council, Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, and senior government aides were also present.
In the aftermath of the discussions, Governor Aiyedatiwa revealed that a committee has been set up to identify a new location for the cenotaph that would be agreeable to both the church and the Owo community. He cautioned against inflammatory rhetoric, urging all parties and critics of the demolition to avoid statements capable of inciting unrest.
Responding to the state’s position, Bishop Arogundade and other church leaders described the recent crisis as unfortunate and emphasized their willingness to collaborate with the government on the memorial’s relocation. The church reiterated its historic ties with the Owo people, noting that Catholicism has had a longstanding and respectful presence in the community.
However, the bishop had earlier issued a statement expressing deep disappointment over the demolition, calling it a disrespect to the memory of the 41 worshippers who lost their lives in the brutal attack. He noted that the memorial park was legitimately developed by the state government and had been publicly designated as a site of remembrance.
The demolition, which took place on Monday, had sparked public outrage before this reconciliation effort.
