Catholic Church, Akeredolu’s Widow Condemn Owo Memorial Park Demolition

 The Catholic Diocese of Ondo and Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, have denounced the demolition of the Owo Memorial Park on June 24, calling it a “desecration” of the 41 victims killed in the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack. 

The park, built in 2023 with 41 commemorative trees, was razed by the Ondo State Government to construct a commercial complex.

Bishop Jude Arogundade labeled the demolition “heartless,” emphasizing the park’s role as a tribute funded by Akeredolu’s administration. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, accused Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of erasing her husband’s legacy, calling it a “political vendetta.” The government defended the move, citing a ₦2 billion investment for 500 jobs through urban renewal. On June 25, 200 residents protested, blocking Owo’s main road, demanding the park’s restoration.

The controversy follows Aiyedatiwa’s 2024 dissolution of Akeredolu’s aides, fueling APC internal rifts. X posts, including hashtags like #SaveOwoPark, reflect widespread outrage. The Catholic Church plans a legal challenge by July 2025 to halt the commercial project and rebuild the park. The incident highlights tensions over legacy projects, with Ondo’s 2025 budget allocating N1 billion for new memorials.