Independence Day: Ondo governor grants pardon to 117 convicts

The Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has on October 1, 2024, granted amnesty to 117 convicts serving prison terms in the state to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in his statement issued on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Mr. Adeniyan described the governor’s kind gesture as “a life changing decision aimed at reforming the lives of those convicts.”

Adeniyan explained that the decision followed suggestions from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

He said that this opportunity explains a commitment to renew these convicts and to give them second chance within the justice system.

Among the recipients, 19 convicts were granted total freedom, while some on death sentence had their sentence converted to life imprisonment.

Also, he said: “Many prisoners will see their sentences reduced, giving them a chance for re-union with the society.”

The decision was officially made known by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. olukayode Ajulo, SAN, who also heads the Advisory Council.

Governor Aiyedatiwa signed the freedom orders on Friday, September 27, 2024.

The changes will take effect from October 1, 2024 going within the nation’s 64th independence celebration.

Aiyedatiwa’s actions are in accordance with section 212(1)(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as ammended).

The Advisory Council thoroughly scrutinized each application, ensuring its decision followed the set standards.

It also took various factors into account.

Ajulo stated that the council’s discussions were guided by valuable input from correctional experts, legal professionals and respected community leaders.

Furthermore, he said the discussions focused on factors such as the nature of the offenses, age, health, terms of imprisonment, and the behavior of the prisoners.

By taking this step, Adeniyan said that Governor Aiyedatiwa demonstrated his commitment to alleviating overcrowding in Ondo State’s correctional facilities.

This commitment, he said, is a crucial aspect of the state’s justice sector reform initiatives.

About Aiyedatiwa

Lucky Aiyedatiwa is the current governor of Ondo State, Nigeria, assuming office on December 27, 2023.

Born on January 12, 1965, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, he began his educational journey at Saint Peter’s UNA Primary School and later attended Ikosi High School in Lagos.

Aiyedatiwa’s academic achievements also include a Nigeria Certificate in Education from Lagos State College of Education.

He later obtained an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Ibadan.

He also got a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool.

Before venturing into politics, Aiyedatiwa had a successful business career.

He established Blue Wall Group of Companies in 1996, which comprises various entities, including a trading company, foreign exchange trading company, and travel agency.

He joined active politics in 2011 as a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which later merged with other parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aiyedatiwa’s political career milestones include serving as Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from 2018 to 2019.

He was also the running mate of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in the 2020 Ondo State gubernatorial election and became the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

Following Akeredolu’s passing, Aiyedatiwa took office as governor.

Recently, Governor Aiyedatiwa granted pardon to 19 convicts in Ondo State.

He said it is a demonstration  of his commitment to decongest correctional facilities and justice sector reforms.

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