Death Sentence: Governor Adeleke Seeks Clemency for Olowookere, Who Stole Fowls 14 Years Ago
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an investigation into the case of a man, identified as Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death by hanging for allegedly stealing a fowl.
According to reports, Olowookere was 17 years old in 2010 when he was arrested for breaking into the home of a police officer with a gun and stealing hens. His death sentence was pronounced by Justice Falola of the Osun State High Court in 2014, and he has been on death row ever since.
However, in his statement on Tuesday, the governor directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to initiate a full inquiry and explore the process for granting the accused prerogative of mercy.
“I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. Consequently, I have directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State, to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man,” Governor Adeleke stated.
He emphasised the need for fairness and justice, saying:
“Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”
Nigeria’s Death Penalty Debate
The case brings into focus Nigeria’s continued use of the death penalty, which has not yet been abolished despite growing global opposition. According to statistics, 2,556 individuals were sentenced to death between 2010 and 2020, with the highest recorded sentencing of 659 occurring in 2014. Although sentencing does not often lead to execution, there is a global push to abolish the death penalty.
In 2022, four counties, Kazakhstan, Papua New Guinea, Central African Republic, and Sierra Leone, abolished the death penalty, bringing the total number of countries that have abolished capital punishment to 112. However, Nigeria remains among the countries where capital punishment is still legally enforced, sparking debates over its relevance in modern justice systems.
Public Backlash Over Verdict
The alleged ruling has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians, particularly on social media, where users have questioned the fairness and priorities of the judicial system. Many expressed disbelief over the disproportionate punishment for the accused compared to how politicians and other elites are treated.
One user, @Olubanki, urged Governor Adeleke to go beyond offering clemency and investigate the judge who handed down the sentence.
“Dear Governor Adeleke, thank you for your interest in this matter. It is appalling that a Judge/Magistrate could give such ruling on such an offence. However, it will be appreciated if you could go the extra mile by recommending to the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the magistrate/judge who pronounced such a verdict and also review all concluded cases in his/her name,” the X user wrote.
Another user, Abiodun A. Adeleke, highlighted the disparity in justice, saying:
“Death by hanging for someone that stole a fowl that’s worth less than 15k naira, but the person that allegedly diverted funds and built over 700 duplexes didn’t even get their name mentioned! Not to talk of any sentence at all. Omo, there’s fire on the mountain o.”
The case has also raised concerns about how lightly the value of human life is regarded at the state level. Olúwaníṣọlá Moṣerere Ọpẹ́yẹmí commented, “There’s no investigation needed because you heard it right, Mr. Governor. At the state level, human life doesn’t count, and it is painful to know that you people only care when people cry out.”
This case has reignited conversations about the justice system’s inconsistency, with many pointing out that Nigerian politicians accused of embezzling billions of naira rarely face the same harsh punishments meted out to ordinary citizens for minor offences.
“Imagine a country where someone spent 14 years in jail and sentenced to death by hanging because he stole fowl. FOWL.. but someone who stole over N80b was just given N500m fine,” @Uncle_Olu_ wrote on X.
As Governor Adeleke investigates and promises clemency if the claims are true, Nigerians continue to call for reforms in the judiciary to ensure justice, fairness, and accountability.
