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Ondo State Government Responds to Demolition of Owo Massacre Memorial Park

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ondo State government has defended the demolition of the Memorial Park constructed in honour of the victims of the Owo massacre, stating it was a necessary step to restore the cultural dignity of Owo kingdom. The decision was made after consultations with the people of Owo, represented by the Olowo-in-Council. The government explained that the land used for the Memorial Park was originally allotted to a company owned by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, before he became the monarch. In 2010, the Olusegun Mimiko administration acquired the land for public use, and in 2021, the Akeredolu administration re-allocated it to its original owner. However, the government later realised procedural errors in taking possession of the land, leading to protests from various segments of the people of Owo against the location of the Memorial Park.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ondo State government demolished the Memorial Park constructed in honour of the victims of the Owo massacre, citing the need to restore the cultural dignity of Owo kingdom.
  • The land used for the Memorial Park was originally allotted to a company owned by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, before he became the monarch.
  • In 2010, the Olusegun Mimiko administration acquired the land for public use, and in 2021, the Akeredolu administration re-allocated it to its original owner.
  • The government later realised procedural errors in taking possession of the land, leading to protests from various segments of the people of Owo against the location of the Memorial Park.
  • The Olowo-in-Council and the people of Owo protested against the location of the Memorial Park as it was said to be against the culture of the land to site a cenotaph at the heart of the town and in front of the palace.
  • A committee has been inaugurated by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to relocate and construct a new Memorial Park within Owo in honour of the victims of the massacre.
  • The committee will work with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Lands and Housing, and the Owo Local Government to revisit the issue and relocate the Memorial Park.
  • The engagement between the Olowo-in-Council and the government continued after Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office, and he directed officials to re-visit the issue and relocate the Memorial Park.

Statistics:

  • 2010: The Olusegun Mimiko administration acquired the land for public use.
  • 2021: The Akeredolu administration re-allocated the land to its original owner, AgroMore Limited.
  • June 5, 2022: The victims of the Owo massacre were honoured at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo.

Sources:

  • A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Thursday.
  • The Olowo-in-Council and the people of Owo.

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