Owo Massacre Cenotaph Demolished Amid Cultural Clash and Political Outcry

The recent demolition of the cenotaph honoring victims of the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, has ignited widespread reactions. The memorial park, constructed by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to immortalize over 50 slain worshippers, was torn down on the orders of current Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Opposition from Akeredolu’s Widow

Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late governor, condemned the demolition as insensitive and disrespectful to the victims and their families. She described the act as a desecration of sacred ground and a political misstep, accusing Governor Aiyedatiwa of moral decay for replacing the cenotaph with a “world-class shopping complex.” She emphasized that the monument was part of her late husband’s legacy of empathy and leadership, especially since Aiyedatiwa was his deputy when the park was built.

Palace and Cultural Concerns

The Olowo of Owo and the Olowo-in-Council supported the demolition, citing cultural reasons. They argued that the cenotaph’s location directly opposite the Olowo’s palace violated Yoruba traditions, which frown upon symbols of death near the sacred seat of life and authority. The palace stated that they had advised against the monument’s site during its conception, but the late governor dismissed these concerns. The demolition was thus framed as restoring cultural balance rather than desecration.

ADVERTISEMENT

Government Response

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the demolition followed a formal request from the Olowo-in-Council. He assured that a new memorial would be constructed at a more appropriate location and that a modern market would be developed on the current site to benefit the community.

Background

The June 2022 attack on the church left over 40 worshippers dead and shocked Nigeria and the international community. The memorial park was built in 2023 by the late Governor Akeredolu as a tribute to the victims and a place for collective mourning and healing.