Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, granted pardons to 40 prison inmates in a move aimed at promoting justice reform and reintegrating convicts into society.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), described the gesture as a testament to the governor’s dedication to mercy and rehabilitation.
The pardons, which included the outright release of 15 inmates effective Sunday, January 12, 2025, were granted based on recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
This was revealed in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, titled “Aiyedatiwa Pardons 40 Prisoners to Celebrate 60th Birthday.”
In addition to the releases, several death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, while others saw their sentences significantly reduced.
Dr. Ajulo, who chairs the advisory council, explained that the decisions were made after careful consideration of factors such as the nature of the offences, inmate’s age, health, behavior, and length of incarceration.
“This compassionate act underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to justice sector reforms and the extension of grace and mercy to convicts,” Ajulo stated.
The statement emphasized that the governor’s actions align with Section 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers state governors to exercise the prerogative of mercy.
Marking his 60th birthday with this act of grace, Aiyedatiwa chose to forgo celebrations in honor of the late Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi (Tukana), who passed away recently.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision reflects his administration’s commitment to fairness and compassion, enriched by input from correctional authorities, legal experts, and community leaders,” the statement concluded.
President Bola Tinubu earlier extended his congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa on his milestone birthday, further highlighting the significance of the occasion.
