A former Chief Press Secretary to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Mr. Richard Olatunde, has faulted the recent demolition of the Owo Memorial Park, describing the action as ill-advised and potentially hurtful to the families of the victims.
The park, which was constructed to honour the memory of worshippers killed during the June 5, 2022 terror attack at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, was reportedly pulled down on the directive of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Government sources claimed the demolition was carried out at the request of the Olowo-in-Council, citing the park’s proximity to the palace as a reason for concern.
However, in a statement released on Sunday, Mr. Olatunde clarified that *no bodies were buried at the park*, stressing that the site was meant purely as a symbolic gesture to immortalise the departed.
“I have received numerous calls from friends and colleagues regarding this matter. Though I was initially reluctant to comment, it has become necessary to clarify the facts publicly and defend the intentions of a man who only sought to honour the memories of the victims,” the statement read in part.
According to him, the late Governor Akeredolu had convened a meeting with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, his chiefs, and prominent political figures from the town before the park was built.
“At that meeting, Governor Akeredolu explicitly stated that no corpses would be buried at the site. He even offered alternatives if the palace was uncomfortable with the location. The Olowo and his council approved it. I was present,” Olatunde said.
He described insinuations of political motives behind the project as “unfortunate,” noting that Akeredolu acted purely out of leadership and compassion, not politics.
“The tragic incident of June 5, 2022, was not just a local tragedy; it shook the world. The state government should have exercised more caution before demolishing a site that means so much to the victims’ families,” he added.
Olatunde insisted that the demolition, however controversial, would not erase the late Governor’s bold and humane response in the wake of the tragedy.
“We will continue to remember the victims of the Owo massacre. They are martyrs who died serving God. May God grant their souls eternal repose,” he concluded.
As of press time, the palace of the Olowo of Owo had not issued an official statement confirming or denying the role it played in the state government's decision.
.jpeg)
0 comments: