he Ondo State Government, in collaboration with the Catholic Church and traditional leaders in Owo, has reached an agreement to relocate the demolished Memorial Park to a new site within the town.
The resolution was reached during a stakeholder meeting held at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office in Akure. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa presided over the meeting, which addressed all concerns surrounding the recent demolition of the park.
In attendance were key religious leaders including the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade; Bishop of Owo Diocese, Stephen Fagbemi; and a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Ayodeji Komolafe. Members of the Olowo-in-Council and top government officials, including Deputy Governor Dr. Olayide Adelami, were also present.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced that a committee will be formed to work with stakeholders to identify a suitable site for the construction of a new cenotaph. He urged all parties to refrain from inflammatory statements that could disrupt peace in the community.
Bishop Arogundade and other church leaders expressed support for the relocation, noting that the controversy that followed the demolition was unnecessary. They pledged their cooperation with the committee to ensure a successful outcome.
Highlighting the long-standing relationship between the Catholic Church and the Owo community, the church reaffirmed its respect for local traditions, the Olowo throne, and the Olowo-in-Council.
