Ondo Governor Aiyedatiwa releases 40 prisoners to mark 60th birthday

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has extended clemency to 40 incarcerated individuals as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to justice reform and the reintegration of former convicts into the community.

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

The pardons, sanctioned based on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, encompass the immediate release of 15 inmates effective Sunday, January 12, 2025.

In a statement entitled “Aiyedatiwa Pardons 40 Prisoners to Celebrate 60th Birthday” and endorsed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, it was disclosed that several death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, while others received substantial sentence reductions.

Dr. Ajulo, who concurrently holds the position of chairman of the council, elucidated that the decisions were arrived at after thorough consideration of factors including the nature of the offenses, the inmates’ age, health status, behavior, and length of incarceration.

“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 executed to coincide with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s 60th birthday. Nevertheless, the governor opted to abstain from birthday festivities to pay tribute to the late Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi (Tukana), who recently passed away.

The statement emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions are in accordance with Section 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which grants state governors the authority to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

The council’s recommendations were shaped by insights from correctional authorities, legal professionals, and esteemed community leaders to guarantee equity and compassion throughout the decision-making process.