Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa frees 40 prisoners to mark 60th birthday

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted pardons to 40 prison inmates as part of his administration’s commitment to justice reform and the reintegration of convicts into society.

According to Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the gesture underscores the governor’s dedication to mercy and rehabilitation.

The pardons, approved on the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, include the immediate release of 15 inmates effective Sunday, January 12, 2025.

In a statement titled “Aiyedatiwa Pardons 40 Prisoners to Celebrate 60th Birthday” and signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, it was revealed that some death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, while others had their sentences significantly reduced.

Dr. Ajulo, who also serves as the council’s chairman, explained that the decisions were made after careful deliberation, taking into account factors such as the nature of the offences, the inmates’ age, health, behavior, and duration of imprisonment.

“This compassionate act reflects Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to justice sector reforms and to extending grace and mercy to deserving convicts,” Ajulo stated.

The release orders were signed to coincide with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s 60th birthday. However, the governor chose to forgo birthday celebrations to honor the late Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi (Tukana), who passed away recently.

The statement highlighted that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions align with Section 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers state governors to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

The council’s recommendations were informed by insights from correctional authorities, legal experts, and respected community leaders to ensure fairness and compassion in the decision-making process.