Diverse reactions have trailed the demolition of a cenotaph built to honour victims of the 2022 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church terrorist attack in Owo town, Ondo State.
Put in place by the former Ondo governor, late Rotimi Akeredolu, in memory of over 50 worshippers killed during the attack, the cenotaph was pulled down on the orders of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration. A video of the demolition, showing bulldozers pulling through the structure, where names of the victims were inscribed, has since gone viral, sparking public outrage and emotional reactions across the state.
The demolition has divided opinion in the community. While some residents supported the move, citing cultural taboos and the cenotaph’s location directly opposite the Olowo of Owo’s palace as inappropriate, others condemned the action as disrespectful and politically motivated.
Critics say the demolition could be an attempt to erase the legacy of Akeredolu, who led the state at the time of the massacre and ordered the construction of the memorial to honour the victims.
In response, the governor’s spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the demolition was carried out following a formal request by the Olowo-in-Council. According to him, it was deemed culturally wrong to place a symbol of death close to the traditional seat of power.
“It was a special request from the palace of the Olowo, as it is said to be against culture and tradition to site such a symbol of death near the palace — the sacred seat of life and authority in Owo,” Adeniyan explained.
He added that the cenotaph would be relocated respectfully to a new site within Owo and replaced by a modern market. He also assured residents that the government remains committed to preserving the memory of the victims.
The attack on June 5, 2022, remained one of the worst in Nigeria’s recent history. Armed men stormed the Catholic church during Sunday Mass, killing dozens, including children, and leaving many others injured.
