Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pardoned 40 inmates to mark his 60th birthday.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), announced this on Sunday
According to a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the decision underscores Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to mercy and rehabilitation.
Out of the pardoned inmates, 15 were granted outright release, while others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or saw their terms significantly reduced.
These actions were recommended by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy after careful consideration of the inmates’ offences, age, health, behaviour, and time spent in custody.
Dr. Ajulo, who chairs the advisory council, described the initiative as a significant component of the state’s justice sector reforms.
He added that it reflects the governor’s “unwavering commitment to extending grace and mercy” to deserving individuals.
The statement further emphasized that the process adhered to Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers state governors to exercise the prerogative of mercy.
The governor’s 60th birthday was marked with a subdued tone as he opted to forgo celebrations in honour of the late Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, who passed away the previous weekend.
“This act of grace represents Governor Aiyedatiwa’s compassionate leadership, even during a period of personal reflection and state mourning,” the statement noted.