Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, marked his swearing-in on Monday with a significant act of clemency by granting freedom and reduced sentences to 43 prisoners.
Following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Aiyedatiwa ordered the immediate release of eight convicts.
He also commuted the death sentences of 15 inmates to prison terms and reduced the jail sentences of 20 others serving life imprisonment.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced the decision in a statement titled, “Inauguration: Gov Aiyedatiwa Extends Mercy to 43 Prisoners.”
The statement disclosed Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to justice reform and second chances.
“This decision reflects Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in rehabilitation and the importance of mercy in our justice system,” said Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This act of clemency aligns with Aiyedatiwa’s broader judicial reforms. In October 2024, he appointed six new judges to strengthen the state’s legal system, marking a historic moment in his administration.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the influence of his late predecessor, Governor Akeredolu. “It was his wish that I succeed him. He said it on our first day of inauguration,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
With his second term now officially underway, the governor has signaled a strong focus on justice, fairness, and rehabilitation as key pillars of his administration.
