By Adetilewa Coker, Staff Reporter | Event Diary Lifestyle
The former First Lady of Ondo State, Chief (Mrs.) Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has sparked nationwide controversy following a fiery outburst in which she condemned the demolition of the Owo Memorial Park and labelled the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye III, a “baby Oba.”
In a viral video filmed at the site of the now-demolished monument, Mrs. Akeredolu described the government’s action as “insensitive and disrespectful,” accusing the monarch and the current administration led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of deliberately erasing the legacy of her late husband, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.
“You single-handedly install that baby Oba and ‘Lucky,’ the enabler, ordered the demolition of a monument in remembrance of those victims,” she said in the footage, visibly shaken and emotional.
The Owo Memorial Park, constructed in honour of the victims of the June 5, 2022 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church massacre, had stood directly opposite the Olowo’s palace. Completed under Akeredolu’s administration, the monument served as a symbolic tribute to the over 40 lives lost in the terrorist attack.
The demolition, allegedly prompted by the Olowo’s concerns about cultural taboos, was carried out under tight security, triggering public backlash from multiple quarters.
Mixed Reactions Trail Demolition
The Catholic Diocese of Ondo issued a strong statement expressing shock and dismay, confirming it was not consulted before the demolition. A senior priest, speaking anonymously, called the act “a second trauma for families still healing from the massacre.”
Several civil society organisations and youth groups in Owo have also condemned the move, accusing the government of prioritising market development over historical remembrance. Social media platforms have been abuzz with hashtags such as #OwoMemorialDemolition and #AketiLivesOn, with many users rallying behind the late governor’s widow.
“This isn’t just about a structure. It’s about memory, grief, and dignity,” tweeted @OwoYouthVoice.
Others, however, have defended the palace’s position, citing Owo’s deep-rooted cultural beliefs. A palace insider told Event Diary Lifestyle that “no disrespect was intended,” and that the king had only acted to protect traditional sanctity.
Government Response
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s media team, via Chief Press Secretary Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, explained that the Olowo raised formal objections over the monument’s location and that it would be relocated to a “more culturally appropriate” site. He also noted that the area would be redeveloped into a modern market, which is part of the government’s urban renewal plan.
“There was no malicious intent. It was a decision taken after consultation with the palace. Plans are underway to relocate the cenotaph respectfully,” said Adeniyan.
Political Undertones?
Mrs. Akeredolu has alleged that the demolition was politically motivated, calling it a deliberate attempt to erase her husband’s achievements.
“So long as I live, they will not succeed. Aketi lives on,” she declared defiantly.
As of press time, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye III has not personally responded to the “baby Oba” remark, but sources at the palace hinted that an official response may soon be released.
A Tense Crossroads
The incident has reignited debate over how governments balance tradition, history, and public interest. With passions running high in Owo and beyond, the fallout from the Memorial Park demolition may continue to shape political and cultural discourse in Ondo State for weeks to come.