Gov Aiyedatiwa Celebrates Birthday with Pardon of 40 Prisoners

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has extended a pardon to 40 inmates in the state.

The gesture by the Governor marked his 60th birthday celebration.

This was announced by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, via a statement titled, “Aiyedatiwa Pardons 40 Prisoners to Celebrate 60th Birthday.”

While the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy recommended the pardon, the release of 15 convicts will take effect from Sunday, 12 January 2025.

Furthermore, many death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment, with other inmates seeing their sentences reduced drastically.

“This compassionate gesture underscores Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to extending grace and mercy to these convicts,” Ajulo stated.

“It represents a vital component of his administration’s ongoing justice sector reforms. The signing of the release orders coincides with the governor’s 60th birthday, marking a significant occasion with an act of grace,” the statement read in part.

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“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions align with Section 212 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which empowers state governors to exercise the prerogative of mercy.

“The Council’s recommendations were enriched by insights from correctional authorities, legal experts, and respected community leaders, ensuring fairness and compassion in the decision-making process,” the statement continued.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), says that the Governor’s gesture borders on his zeal for rehabilitation and mercy.