The governor of Osun State, Mr Ademola Adeleke, has pardoned Segun Olowookere who was sentenced to death for stealing chicken and eggs at the age of 17 in 2010.
Olowookere was one of the 53 convicts pardoned by the governor as contained in a press statement by his (governor’s) spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed.
Olowookere’s co-defendant, Sunday Morakinyo, was also granted an outright pardon by the governor.
According to the governor, the order to pardon the convict and others was in line with the recommendations of the state’s advisory council on prerogative of mercy.
Recall that an Osun State High Court, sitting in Ikirun, convicted Olowookere alongside some others, for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state.
“Following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy, I should exercise my power in relation to the said inmates in order to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration,” the governor said.
“The letter of commutation dated December 24, 2024, which has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities reads:
“Whereas the inmates whose names are set out in the schedule to this order have been convicted to various terms of imprisonment to wit. (i) Simple offences and have served substantial portions of the sentences, (ii) Convicts sentenced to death (having spent a minimum of 10 years in custody).
“And whereas following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy that I should exercise my power in relation to the said inmates in order to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.
“And whereas in the case of the 30 (thirty) inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences in whole.
“And whereas I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to 12 (twelve) inmates convicted of simple offences.
“4 (four) convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright pardon. And whereas: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to commute the sentences as follows: 1 (one) convict has his sentence commuted from death to 15 (fifteen) years imprisonment; 6 (six) convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright release.”
The governor said his decision aligns with his powers under paragraphs (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of Section 212 of 1999 constitution as amended.
