Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has granted clemency to 40 prisoners, to mark his 60th birthday.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the decision followed recommendations by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which evaluated cases based on factors such as the nature of offenses, time served, and the health and behavior of the inmates.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, who chairs the Advisory Council, announced the release, explaining that 15 inmates will be released starting January 12, 2025.
Additionally, some death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, while other sentences were reduced to enable reintegration into society.
“This compassionate gesture is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to justice reform and his belief in the power of grace and mercy,” Dr. Ajulo stated.
Governor Aiyedatiwa chose to mark his birthday without fanfare as a tribute to the late Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, who passed away recently.
The clemency aligns with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers governors to exercise mercy on convicts.
