Reactions have trailed the demolition of the memorial park constructed by the former Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to immortalise the victims of the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo.

The attack, which left at least 50 worshippers dead, attracted public outcry and condemnation from local and international organisations.

The Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration demolished the memorial park on Saturday. The destruction was seen in a viral video, with a bulldozer tearing down the cenotaph inscribed with the victims’ names.

Condemning the demolition on Monday, the former governor’s wife, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, queried the action of the Aiyedatiwa-led government, saying no society erases its pain to make way for profit.

“What kind of leadership defiles the memory of innocent souls in such a callous manner? Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s demolition of the Owo church massacre monument is not only an act of profound insensitivity; it is a desecration of sacred ground.

“That monument, built by my late husband, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, a son of Owo, was a solemn tribute to lives violently cut short in a house of worship. It symbolised collective mourning, remembrance, and healing,” the former first lady said.

Similarly, a former spokesperson to Mr Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, faulted the demolition.

“The tragic incident of June 5, 2022, was an international tragedy. Given its sensitive nature, I believe the government should have exercised greater caution in demolishing the park. This action will undoubtedly reopen wounds in the hearts of the victims’ families,” he said.

An X user, Tosin. X wrote, “Ondo State government demolished the Owo church attack memorial Park calling it an ‘abomination’ after pressure from Owo palace. Now they want to build a shopping mall there. Imagine the U.S. demolishing the 9/11 Memorial Park. Truly heartbreaking.”

However, the Olowo of Owo, Ajibade Ogunoye, stated that the demolition of the memorial park was at the instance of the palace and the entire good people of the Owo kingdom.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Sam Adewale, the monarch said the location of the structure had earlier been resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and natives.

Mr Ogunoye said the Olowo-in-Council would soon avail the public with the comprehensive details of all that happened concerning the construction.

“And before then, we advise anyone with any issues whatsoever against the demolition to make the palace their target and not the governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who is not in any way responsible for the demolition,” the monarch said.

In a swift response, Mr Aiyedatiwa said the palace had formally requested the demolition through the local government council.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who spoke through his spokesman, Ebenezer Adeniyan, explained that the memorial park was destroyed after the palace cited its location as a “taboo” to Yoruba culture and values.

“In line with this tradition, the Olowo-in-Council, through the local government authority, formally requested the removal and relocation of the monument.

“Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, with due respect to both the late governor’s legacy and the sanctity of Yoruba culture, approved the respectful relocation of the monument to a more appropriate location—one that still preserves its solemn purpose without violating cultural norms,” he said.

He added, “Furthermore, the site will now be transformed into a modern market, a community-centred project that honours the dead by improving the lives of the living.”