By Our Reporter
Akure — Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has granted pardon and ordered the release of seven convicts serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state, as part of activities marking his 61st birthday.
The gesture, carried out under the Governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, was described as a demonstration of compassionate and humane leadership aimed at promoting restorative justice, prison decongestion and the reintegration of reformed inmates into society.
The latest clemency builds on an earlier approval granted on January 1, 2026, during the New Year celebrations, when the Governor approved pardon for 77 convicts following recommendations by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the seven beneficiaries were selected after careful assessment and verification of their conduct, genuine remorse, rehabilitation efforts and strong prospects for successful reintegration into the community.
“Their outright release underscores the Governor’s belief in giving second chances to individuals who have demonstrated meaningful change and readiness to become responsible members of society,” the statement said.
Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as a thoughtful and forward-looking decision.
Ajulo noted that the action reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to balancing justice with compassion, strengthening reforms in the justice sector and fostering a society where redemption and rehabilitation are encouraged.
He added that the Council carried out a rigorous screening process before making its recommendations to ensure that only deserving inmates benefited from the clemency.
The Governor’s decision has been welcomed by stakeholders as a positive step toward reducing congestion in correctional facilities while encouraging inmates to embrace reform and good conduct.
Observers say the move further reflects the administration’s broader agenda of promoting humane governance, social inclusion and a justice system that supports rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.
