Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has granted clemency to 43 convicts as part of activities marking his swearing-in as the seventh elected governor of the state. This decision, according to the government, was made following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the government explained that the move aligns with Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to reformative justice and the humane treatment of prisoners. The decision is aimed at decongesting prisons, fostering rehabilitation, and giving convicts an opportunity for reintegration into society as law-abiding citizens.
According to the details of the clemency order, eight individuals who were previously incarcerated have been granted outright release. Additionally, fifteen condemned inmates who were sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms. Furthermore, twenty convicts who had been serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision to grant pardons is in line with his broader efforts to address issues within the penal system and to promote a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over prolonged punitive measures. The government stated that this move underscores the governor’s desire to give reformed convicts a second chance at leading productive lives.
While this clemency order is in celebration of his swearing-in, the governor emphasized that his administration would continue working towards a fairer and more rehabilitative approach to criminal justice. The government also urged the pardoned individuals to embrace their freedom with a sense of responsibility and to contribute positively to society.
