JUST IN: Ondo Govt replies Catholic Diocese over Owo memorial park demolition
By Boye Oyeyemi –
The Ondo State Government has responded to the Catholic Diocese of Ondo over its condemnation of the demolition of the Owo Memorial Park, describing the Diocese’s claims as hasty and misleading.
The government said it received a letter seeking dialogue on Monday, June 23, but was surprised that the Diocese issued a public statement just two days later, creating a false impression that no response had come after 72 hours.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the government criticized the tone of the Diocese’s message, saying it could incite unnecessary tension.
It accused Bishop Jude Arogundade of failing to explore available channels of communication before going public with the matter.
The government clarified that the land where the cenotaph was built originally belonged to AgroMore Limited, a company linked to the Olowo of Owo. Although acquired by the state in 2010, it was returned to its original owner in 2021 due to procedural flaws in the acquisition.
It explained that the Olowo-in-Council and several residents had long protested the cenotaph’s location, describing its cemetery-like design near the palace as culturally inappropriate.
The government urged the Catholic Diocese to embrace peaceful dialogue with the state and Owo community leaders rather than resorting to public accusations.
