Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke grants pardon to 53 convicts, invoking constitutional powers to extend mercy and reform lives.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, has pardoned 53 convicts serving various sentences within the Nigerian Correctional Service, demonstrating a significant act of mercy during the festive season.
The decision, announced on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, aligns with recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The commutation letter, dated 24 December 2024, has been received and acknowledged by relevant prison authorities.
According to the letter, the pardoned inmates had either served a minimum of 10 years in custody or were sentenced to death.
Governor Adeleke invoked his constitutional powers as outlined in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating:
“Now know ye therefore that, I Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.
My will and pleasure thereof is that you commute the death, life and years of imprisonment as indicated herewith in the schedule.”
The gesture is part of Governor Adeleke’s broader commitment to justice reform and rehabilitation within the state. The pardoned individuals, some of whom were on death row, will now have an opportunity to reintegrate into society.
This act of clemency has been met with mixed reactions, with some lauding the governor for offering a second chance while others call for robust measures to ensure the released individuals positively contribute to society.
The Osun State Government emphasised that the decision was made after thorough review and consideration of each inmate’s case, highlighting its commitment to upholding justice tempered with compassion.
