Bishop Ayodeji says he had written to the Governor of Ondo State “immediately after the demolition became public, requesting an official audience to understand the reasons behind the action.”
However, he says in his June 25 statement, “more than 72 hours later, the Church has received no response from the Governor’s office.”
“There is no doubt that the demolition is a violation of our common respect for the dignity of life and the memory we share,” Bishop Ayodeji further laments, and emphasizes that the site had been “legitimately acquired and developed by the State Government and publicly designated as a Memorial Park.”
He recalls that he had previously addressed concerns raised by some individuals who “mistook the site for a graveyard due to its proximity to the Olowo’s Palace. At the time, the Diocese clarified that the park was not a burial ground, but a place of memorial and communal healing.”
The Local Ordinary of Ondo since November 2010 says his Episcopal See is seeking clarification from the State Government on three key issues: the official reason behind the sudden demolition, whether the site will be relocated, redeveloped, or permanently removed, and the government’s plans to honour the victims of the massacre.
He laments the lack of consultation before the demolition, especially given the park’s significance to the families of the victims and the wider community.
“Our silent approach is rooted in respect for due process, dialogue, and constructive engagement, so as to prevent the spread of misinformation and to maintain peace, mutual respect, and communal understanding within the State,” Bishop Ayodeji says.
He emphasizes the Diocese’s commitment to preserving the memory of the deceased and to working with government authorities and other stakeholders to ensure peace and justice prevail.
“We trust that through open dialogue and respect for due process, this matter will be resolved in a manner that upholds the dignity of the victims and the collective heritage of our people,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop says.
Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.
