The Olowo-in-Council has thrown its weight behind the recent demolition of the controversial Memorial Park constructed in honour of victims of the June 5, 2022, attack at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, saying the late former Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, defied the wishes of the Owo people by forcing the project on the community.
In a statement made available on Monday, the Olowo-in-Council explained that the demolition, which has attracted reactions across the state, was carried out on the directive of the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and in line with the decision of the people of Owo kingdom.
The Council maintained that the palace had earlier resisted the decision to erect such a structure close to the palace, adding that the move was inconsistent with the culture and traditions of the ancient 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,” the statement read.
The Olowo-in-Council further disclosed that all appeals to the late Governor to reconsider the location were ignored, despite concerns raised by Owo youths and other stakeholders.
“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 Council said.
They insisted that the widespread commendations trailing the demolition vindicate the palace’s position, adding that the people of Owo have shown support for the removal of the structure.
The Council also urged those criticising the demolition to direct their grievances to the palace rather than blaming the incumbent Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, whom they absolved of any involvement in the action.
“The Olowo-in-Council will soon come out to avail the public with 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 any way responsible for the demolition,” the statement added.
