Aiyedatiwa commutes sentences of 15 inmates on death row, pardons 43 convicts

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, has commuted the sentences of 15 prisoners on death row. 

Aiyedatiwa, who begins his official tenure as governor on Monday, has been ‘acting governor’ since December 27, 2023, following the demise of Rotimi Akeredolu. 

A statement on Monday by Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa’s chief press secretary, said the governor also pardoned 43 convicts and ordered the release of eight incarcerated inmates.

“As part of this initiative, the Governor has ordered the outright release of 8 individuals who were previously incarcerated,” the statement reads.

“Additionally, 15 condemned inmates who were sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms, while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.”

Adeniyan said the pardon follows the recommendations of the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy, chaired by Olukayode Ajulo, the state’s attorney-general and commissioner for Justice.

“This decision is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in second chances and the potential for rehabilitation. It is His Excellency’s responsibility to ensure that our justice system reflects mercy and humanity,” the statement added.

Adeniyan said the decision aligns with the Aiyedatiwa-led administration’s efforts “to address issues within the penal system and to promote the reintegration of individuals into society as productive members”.