Nigerian Concord Newspaper
Mr. Richard Olabide, Chief Press Secretary to the late governor of Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu has accused the Olowo-in-Council of carrying out an unjust posthumous indictment on his former boss with their statement over the Owo Memorial Park.
Speaking in a media note he posted on his verified Facebook Page this morning, Olabode said the late Ondo State governor didn’t unilaterally impose the location of the Memorial Park.
The statement reads below:
I have read the statement from the Olowo-in-Council over the demolition of the Memorial Park constructed by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON. The statement claimed that the Olowo-in-Council resisted the idea of constructing the memorial park at the location. It also made reference to a protest by “concerned” Owo people.
No doubt, the Olowo has the prerogative to request demolition of unwanted structures within his domain, just as Governor Aiyedatiwa retains the constitutional right to order the demolition of any state-owned property.
However, the crux of this issue is not the demolition itself but the unjust posthumous indictment of Governor Akeredolu, a man who governed with integrity and meticulous adherence to due process. A man who is no longer here to defend himself.
Contrary to the insinuations by the Olowo-in-Council in the statement, Governor Akeredolu did not unilaterally impose the location of the Memorial Park. Extensive consultations were made. A meeting was held at the Governor’s Office, where the Olowo-in-Council granted explicit approval for the project.
In attendance were several High Chiefs, including: High Chief Barr. Kunle Ijalana, The Adanigbo of Iloro; High Chief Sydney Ogunleye, the Akowa of Iloro; High Chief Osuporu; High Chief Famakinwa, the Ojumu of Owo; and High Chief Abimbola Omoloja(Olugbaragada)
High Chief Sydney Ogunleye and High Chief Abimbola Omoloja spoke on behalf of the Olowo-in-Council during the meeting. His Royal Majesty personally led the delegation.
On the government’s side, political appointees from Owo at the meeting included: Chief Gbenga Ale, former Chief of Staff; Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, former Head of Service and Special Adviser on Union Matters & Special Duties; Engr. Raimi Aminu, former Commissioner for Infrastructure, Land, and Housing; Pastor Akin Olotu, former Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture & Agribusiness; and Myself, Richard Olatunde, former Chief Press Secretary.
Let it be known that there is no record of any objection whether from the Olowo-in-Council or the broader Owo community before, during, or after the park’s construction. It wasn’t until June 30, 2024 after the demise of Aketi that a protest was reported in Owo.
The late Aketi chose that location because of its proximity to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owaluwa; the site of the horrific June 5, 2022 attack. Another reason was because the land had already been acquired by the Ondo State Government under former Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for overriding public interest. When the Olowo later requested a portion of the land, Governor Akeredolu initially consented. However, not long afterwards, the late governor received a protest letter from the Arala family, the original landowners. Their complain was that since the land was acquired from them for overriding public interest, it should not be allocated for a private use. Consequently, the late Akeredolu revoked the allocation from Olowo in deference to due process.
If the argument is that the Olowo-in-Council felt compelled to acquiesce to Governor Akeredolu’s proposal, it must also be noted that an alternative location was offered. The late Governor made it clear that if the Olowo-in-Council wasn’t comfortable with the construction of the memorial park at that location, it could be relocated to Ijebu-Owo or another suitable area within the town.
We understand that those in position of authority today have the final say. If this is what the people of Owo want, so be it! However, let us not forget that Arakunrin Akeredolu loved Owo deeply. He tried his best for the development of his home town. His legacy deserves preservation, not disparagement