Ondo govt asked to apologise to Christians over demolition of Owo massacre cenotaph

Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on Ondo State government to apologise to Nigerian Christians particularly the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade,  over the recent demolition of the cenotaph built in honour of the victims of the Owo massacre.

The group described the act as an unprovoked assault on the memory of innocent worshippers brutally slain by terrorists .

HURIWA, in a statement on Friday reminded that the cenotaph, constructed under the administration of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, stood as a solemn memorial for the over 40 Catholic faithful massacred on June 5, 2022, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

In the strongly worded statement issued by the National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA condemned the demolition as an anathema and unpardonable sacrilege, warning that the Ondo State government under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has not only desecrated a sacred memory but also trampled on the sensitivities of grieving families, the Catholic Church, and the global Christian community.

“This mindless act of demolition is a direct insult to the souls of the deceased, a revictimisation of their families, and a wicked erasure of a tragic chapter that should never be forgotten,” the statement read.

HURIWA asserted that the Memorial Park was not merely a symbolic structure but a solemn site that served to honour innocent Nigerians slain in one of the worst terrorist attacks on a place of worship in recent history. To wilfully destroy such a sacred monument, the association said, is a brutal affront to Christian sensibilities and a reckless attempt to distort historical memory.

“The demolition is not only insensitive but deeply provocative. It sends a chilling message to victims of terrorism across the country — that their pain can be bulldozed by political whims. That is unacceptable and reprehensible,” the group stated.

HURIWA also took strong exception to the “insolent  remarks” made by Governor Aiyedatiwa against the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade.

The group noted that the governor’s utterances, communicated through his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, were laced with arrogance and a total disregard for the sanctity of clerical office.

“That the governor would attempt to vilify and cast aspersions on Bishop Arogundade—who has consistently stood for peace, truth, and justice—shows an alarming lack of respect for the Church and for moral leadership. This disgraceful behaviour must not be condoned. We demand that the governor tender an unreserved public apology to the Bishop and to the Christian community at large,” the association said.

The group also warned against attempts to undermine or “rubbish” the legacy of the late Governor Akeredolu, who demonstrated courage and fairness by immortalising the victims of the Owo massacre. HURIWA noted that Governor Akeredolu was one of the few Nigerian leaders who spoke boldly against terrorism and the growing religious intolerance plaguing the country.

“It is shameful that Governor Aiyedatiwa, who inherited a state still reeling from the trauma of a terror attack, would allow his administration to dishonour the memory of a statesman who stood fearlessly against Islamic extremism and championed justice for the victims. That the Olowo of Owo, who was installed by Akeredolu, could remain silent in the face of this sacrilege is equally disturbing,” the statement added.

HURIWA called for the immediate rebuilding of the demolished cenotaph at the same location and at the expense of the Ondo State Government. It also urged Christian leaders across Nigeria and international human rights organisations to speak up against what it termed a “dangerous precedent” that must not go unchallenged.

“If this demolition is allowed to stand, it will embolden others to desecrate other monuments built in honour of victims of terrorism, and will further alienate Christian communities already enduring marginalisation and violence. We will not allow history to be rewritten or sacred memories erased,” HURIWA warned.

The group concluded by calling on President Bola  Tinubu to immediately intervene and caution public officeholders who promote religious intolerance or engage in acts that could incite communal or religious unrest.

“The pain of Owo has not healed, and yet the government has reopened that wound with a bulldozer. Governor Aiyedatiwa must retrace his steps, rebuild the memorial, and apologise to all those whose hearts were shattered anew by this grievous affront to justice, decency, and faith.”