By Ayomide Otitoju
The Olowo of Owo Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has welcomed the court judgment sentencing four of the five suspects arraigned over the June 5, 2022 massacre at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, to death.
The monarch’s position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Sam Adewale, and made available to journalists in Akure.
According to the statement, Oba Ogunoye expressed satisfaction with the verdict, describing it as a significant step toward justice for the victims of the attack and the Owo community.
He noted that the judgment would provide some measure of relief to the families of those who lost their lives and help bring closure to one of the darkest moments in the kingdom’s history.
The traditional ruler said the ruling would also allow the souls of the deceased to rest in peace, while reassuring residents that justice had been served.
Oba Ogunoye commended the judiciary for diligently handling the case and praised security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), for their role in investigating the incident, apprehending the suspects and securing their conviction.
He further urged that the judgment be implemented without delay, stressing that the tragic attack underscored the need for strengthened security measures across the country.
