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The controversy over the recent demolition of the Memorial Park built in honour of the victims of the June 5, 2022 terrorist attack at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owaluwa has gained momentum. The park, constructed under the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN CON, was pulled down earlier this week, reportedly on the orders of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, allegedly at the request of the Olowo-in-Council.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the palace, the Olowo-in-Council claimed the decision to demolish the structure was at the behest of His Imperial Majesty, the Olowo of Owo, and the entire good people of the kingdom. The Council stated that it had opposed the siting of the park near the palace from inception, insisting it violated long-standing cultural norms.
“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,” the palace said. It also cited protests by some concerned youths during the late Governor’s tenure which, according to them, were ignored.
However, the palace’s position has now been challenged by Mr. Richard Olatunde, former Chief Press Secretary to the late Governor Akeredolu, who issued a detailed rebuttal on Monday.
According to Olatunde, contrary to the claims of opposition, the siting of the Memorial Park enjoyed full approval from the Olowo-in-Council after a formal consultative meeting held in the Governor’s Office during Akeredolu’s lifetime.
"In attendance were several High Chiefs including High Chief Barr. Kunle Ijalana, Adanigbo of Iloro; High Chief Sydney Ogunleye, Akowa of Iloro; High Chief Famakinwa, Ojumu of Owo; and High Chief Abimbola Omoloja, Olugbaragada. His Royal Majesty personally led the delegation."
He also named prominent government officials of Owo origin who were present at the meeting including Chief Gbenga Ale, former Chief of Staff; Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, former Head of Service; Engr. Raimi Aminu, former Commissioner; Pastor Akin Olotu; and himself.
“There is no record of any objection whether from the Olowo-in-Council or the broader Owo community before, during, or after the park’s construction. It wasn’t until June 30, 2024, months after Akeredolu’s passing, that any protest was reported,” Olatunde noted.
He further explained that the late Governor chose the location for its proximity to the site of the tragic attack and due to its status as already acquired government land. He added that when a portion of the land was initially allocated to the Olowo, the allocation was later revoked after the Arala family, original landowners, objected, citing improper use of land taken for public interest.
“If the argument now is that the palace felt compelled to agree at the time, it should be noted that the Governor also offered alternative locations, including Ijebu-Owo,” Olatunde added.
While acknowledging the Olowo’s traditional right to make requests concerning the land and the Governor’s authority to approve demolition, Olatunde condemned what he described as a posthumous indictment of the late Governor, who is no longer alive to defend himself.
“Let it be known that Arakunrin Akeredolu loved Owo deeply. His legacy deserves preservation, not disparagement,” he said.
As of press time, the state government has yet to issue an official statement clarifying its stance on the matter. Meanwhile, the Olowo-in-Council has promised to release a comprehensive report detailing the events leading to the demolition. They also urged critics to direct their grievances at the palace, not Governor Aiyedatiwa, whom they described as a listening leader.
Observers say the unfolding saga has reignited simmering tensions over the legacy of Akeredolu in his hometown as well as the intersection of traditional authority and state power in local governance.
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