The Catholic Diocese of Ondo has accepted the decision to relocate the Owo Memorial Park to a new site, bringing an end to the controversy that followed the demolition of the cenotaph.
The agreement was reached on Friday after a meeting between Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and major stakeholders at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office in Akure.
The meeting was attended by key religious leaders, including the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Dr. Jude Arogundade, Bishop of Owo Diocese, Bishop Steven Fagbemi, and the Deputy Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, Bishop Ayodeji Komolafe.
Also present were the Chairman of the Action Committee of CAN, Apostle ZB Adeboriota, immediate past CAN Chairman, Dr. Ayo Oladapo, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, Very Rev. Father Dominic Adeosun, and representatives of the Anglican Diocese, Archbishop Simeon Borokini, Venerable Stephen Sanni, along with members of the Olowo-in-Council.
Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the Memorial Park was removed to prevent communal crisis, adding that religion and culture must coexist peacefully in Owo.
He said the government has set up a team to work with the church and community leaders to identify a new location for the cenotaph that would be acceptable to all parties.
The Governor also warned all stakeholders and critics of the demolition to avoid inciting language or narratives that could lead to unrest in the community.
Speaking on behalf of the church, Bishop Arogundade described the crisis that followed the demolition as unnecessary, noting that the Catholic Diocese has accepted the decision to relocate the cenotaph and would support the process of building a new Memorial Park.
He added that the Catholic Church would continue to respect the culture of Owo, the stool of the Olowo, and the Olowo-in-Council, stressing that the town has been accommodating to the church for decades, being the first Christian body to settle in the area.
The meeting also had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr. Gbenga Atiba.
