NIGERIA: Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa Pardons 40 Prisoners To Commemorate 60th Birthday

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria  

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has marked his 60th birthday with a profound act of compassion, granting clemency to 40 prison inmates as part of his administration’s ongoing justice reform efforts.

The decision, announced on Sunday, was made on the recommendation of the state’s Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

It includes the outright release of 15 prisoners, commutation of several death sentences to life imprisonment, and significant reductions in the sentences of other inmates.

According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), the move demonstrates the governor’s dedication to fairness, mercy, and the rehabilitation of convicts into society.

Dr. Ajulo, who also chairs the advisory council, said, “This compassionate gesture underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to extending grace and mercy to these convicts.

“It is a vital component of his administration’s ongoing reforms in the justice sector.”

A statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, noted that the clemency aligns with Section 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, which grants governors the authority to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

The council’s recommendations were informed by input from correctional authorities, legal experts, and community leaders, ensuring a balanced and compassionate approach.

The governor’s decision also reflects a deep sense of humility, as he chose to forgo elaborate birthday celebrations in honour of the late Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, who passed away last weekend.

The statement emphasised: “Marking his birthday with an act of grace, Governor Aiyedatiwa honours the memory of a trusted ally and prioritises service to the people.”

President Bola Tinubu also extended his congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa on his milestone birthday, lauding his efforts to foster justice and equity in Ondo State.

Dr. Ajulo added that the decisions were carefully deliberated, taking into account the nature of offences, the age and health of the inmates, their behaviour, and the duration of their incarceration.

He remarked: “This act of mercy is not just a gesture but a meaningful step towards the reintegration of these individuals into society, embodying the spirit of second chances.”