“Justice finally served”, Olowo reacts to Owo church massacre death sentences

● Oba Ogunoye: Verdict offers “some measure of closure” to Owo Kingdom

The traditional ruler of Owo Kingdom, Ondo State, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has hailed the court verdict sentencing four of the five suspects in the June 5, 2022 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church massacre to death, describing it as a welcome development.

Over 40 persons were killed and many injured during the attack on worshippers.

—Monarch says judgment brings closure—

The Olowo’s reaction was contained in a statement issued Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, and made available to journalists in Akure.

According to Adewale, His Majesty expressed satisfaction that justice has finally been served, noting the judgment offered some measure of closure to the harrowing attack on the kingdom.

He pointed out that the judgment would afford families of the victims and the Owo community a feeling of relief, while allowing the souls of those who lost their lives to rest in peace.

—Commends judiciary, DSS, calls for swift execution—

Oba Ajibade commended the judiciary for seeing through the case, as well as security agencies, particularly the DSS, for proper investigation, arrest of perpetrators and successful prosecution of the convicts.

The monarch advised that the judgment should be carried out without delay, stressing that the painful incident remains a reminder of the urgent need for stronger security measures across the country.