Probing conviction of chicken thief unconstitutional, ex-Oyo AG tells Adeleke

Mutalubi Adebayo, former attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Oyo state, has advised Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun, against an “unconstitutional investigation” into the death sentence handed to Segun Olowookere.

Olowookere was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a chicken and eggs in 2010.

Oyejide Falola, a justice of the Osun high court in Okuku, convicted Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo after finding them guilty of charges involving theft and armed robbery.

The convicts were reported to have forcefully entered the residence of one Balogun Tope, a police officer attached to the divisional police headquarters in Okuku, to commit the act. 

Olowookere’s case went viral on Wednesday after his parents featured on a podcast hosted by Abiola Adebayo, an actress.

Subsequently, Adeleke directed the attorney-general and commissioner for justice in Osun to commence a full probe into the matter.

Speaking on the saga, Adebayo said an “unconstitutional investigation” by the governor into the judicial decision may endanger judges and expose them to threats from criminals.

“The claim that the prisoner was convicted and sentenced to death for stealing a fowl is an outright falsehood and cheap blackmail, aimed at securing his release through underhanded means,” he said.

“The convict was a member of a notorious gang of armed robbers that terrorised residents of Odo-Otin Local Government Area in Osun State before his arrest.

“He was fairly tried, convicted, and sentenced to death by hanging by the Osun State High Court. There has been no appeal against the judgment in over 14 years.

“The executive arm lacks such powers. Investigating judges for their decisions constitutes a usurpation of the judiciary’s constitutional role.

“Judges being harassed online for performing their lawful duties is deeply traumatic, especially when such attacks are rooted in falsehoods and rumours.”