No fewer than 40 inmates serving various jail terms across the correctional centres in Ondo State have been granted pardons by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
While disclosing that 15 of the inmates will regain freedom, the governor stated that those on death row will have their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, with some of the inmates also given reduced sentences.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the gesture was in commemoration of the 60th birthday of Aiyedatiwa, who decided to forgo the celebration due to the death of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Tayo Oluwatuyi, who died a few days ago.
Adeniyan added that the recommendations for the pardon were given by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in line with the commitment and stance of the state on rehabilitation and second chances within the justice system.
According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, who is also the Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Kayode Ajulo, the governor’s move was in line with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“The Council’s deliberations were enriched by insights from correctional authorities, legal experts, and esteemed community members, focusing on the nature of the offences, duration of incarceration, age, health, and behaviour of the inmates.
“This compassionate gesture underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to extend grace and mercy to the said convicts, which represents a vital component of his administration’s ongoing Justice Sector Reforms.”