The Ondo State Government has demolished the memorial park built by a former governor of the state, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, to honour and immortalise the worshippers of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, killed in a terrorist attack on the church in 2022.

The cenotaph — which had the names of the victims of the attack and was located at the heart of the ancient town — was said to have been demolished on the order of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The Chief Press Secretary to Aiyedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed the demolition of the monument to newsmen.

He said the decision was taken by the government after complaints from the palace about the site of the cenotaph.

“It was a special request from the palace of the Olowo as it is said to be against the culture and tradition to site such near the palace.”

In June 2022, no fewer than 40 worshippers were brutally killed by armed men, suspected to be terrorists, with scores injured during an early morning Mass at the church.

In 2023, the late Akeredolu constructed the memorial park to honour the victims.

However, the construction of the monument was not welcomed by the paramount ruler of the town, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, who objected to the siting of the monument directly opposite his palace.