Why Ondo Government Demolished Owo Massacre Cenotaph Three Years After Its Inception

Three years after its inauguration, the Memorial Park cenotaph in Owo, erected to honor victims of the 2022 massacre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church was demolished over the weekend by the Ondo State Government. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration executed the removal following mounting opposition from residents and traditional authorities.

The monument, originally commissioned by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in 2023, stood opposite the Olowo of Owo’s palace, bearing the names of the victims who tragically lost their lives on June 5, 2022. It commemorated the killing of 41 worshippers by armed terrorists, an atrocity that shocked both Nigeria and the international community.

In a widely circulated video, bulldozers are seen leveling the cenotaph. The move came in response to fervent objections from locals who regarded the monument’s placement as culturally inappropriate. They argued that its position directly across from the palace constituted a breach of Yoruba tradition, claiming a structure symbolizing death should not face the traditional ruler’s seat—a site deemed sacred.

In defense of the government’s action, Governor Aiyedatiwa’s spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the palace, through the Olowo-in-Council, formally requested the monument’s removal. Adeniyan emphasized that the demolition was not an act of disrespect, but a necessary step to restore cultural harmony. The space is set to be replaced by a modern marketplace, bringing tangible economic benefits to the community while plans are underway to relocate the memorial to a more suitable site within Owo.

Adeola Akinloye, a resident, reflected the sentiment of many when she stated that the cenotaph, located within the heart of the town, served as a painful reminder of the tragedy, reawakening grief each time it came into view.

Despite the demolition, the state government has confirmed its commitment to rebuilding a proper memorial in a more culturally respectful location. The decision aims to balance the need for remembrance with the imperative of upholding local customs and fostering communal healing.