In a demonstration of compassion and commitment to justice, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has granted a prerogative of mercy to 53 convicts, including Segun Olowookere, who had been serving a life sentence for robbing a poultry. This significant act follows the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and reflects the governor’s resolve to promote restorative justice.
A statement issued by Governor Adeleke detailed the constitutional authority under which the pardons were granted. He said:
“In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c), and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy to 53 convicts serving various sentences within the Nigerian Correctional Service.”
The clemency granted by Governor Adeleke was categorized as follows:
1. Remission of Sentences for 30 Inmates
The governor announced the remission of sentences for 30 inmates convicted of simple offences. These individuals will now walk free, having had the remainder of their sentences forgiven. Beneficiaries of this gesture include:
Olubo Sunday,Isah Umar Biodun,Fawas Kareem Omirin Temitayo,Olarenwaju Ayomide and 25 others.
2. Outright Pardons for 12 Inmates
In addition, 12 inmates received outright pardons for their convictions. Among them are:
Olabomiji Nurudeen,Mustapha Isah,Olalekan Abdullahi, Ayomide Olojede,Akeem Raphael, Adeyemi Abiodun and six others.
3. Commutation of Death Sentences
Six individuals sentenced to death had their sentences commuted to outright release. They include:
Oluwafemi Fagbemi, Bewaji Sunday, Amehin George, Ayomide Arulogun, Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen and Abubakar Abdulazeez
Additionally, Ojekunle Timothy, who has served at least 10 years in custody, had his death sentence commuted to 15 years imprisonment.
4. Outright Pardons for Death Row Inmates
Four convicts previously on death row received outright pardons, including:
Sunday Morakinyo,Segun Olowookere, Tunde Olapade and Demola Odeyemi
Governor Adeleke emphasized that the pardons align with his administration’s commitment to the rule of law and the rehabilitation of offenders. He noted that the decision was made after careful evaluation by the State Advisory Council, which considered factors such as the nature of the offences, time served, and the potential for reintegration into society.
This act of clemency reflects Governor Adeleke’s focus on humane governance and the importance of second chances. By granting these pardons, the governor aims to foster reconciliation and inspire hope among inmates while underscoring the transformative power of mercy.
Some residents of Osun State and legal experts have lauded the governor’s move as a testament to the administration’s dedication to justice, fairness and the betterment of society while others expressed reservations about the clemency to the former convicts.
