Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted state pardon to 43 inmates serving jail terms in various correctional centres across the state.
The pardon, which was announced on Monday, coincided with his inauguration and reflected his commitment to promoting reformative justice in Ondo State.
Out of the 43 inmates, eight were released immediately, while 15 inmates on death row had their sentences reduced to varying jail terms. The remaining 20 inmates had their prison terms adjusted.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the decision was based on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state.
“In a significant act of compassion and justice, the Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced the extension of grace and mercy to 43 convicts,” Adeniyan said.
He explained that the governor’s move aligns with his efforts to address challenges within the penal system and promote the reintegration of ex-convicts into society.
Aiyedatiwa’s gesture is seen as part of a broader commitment to fair governance and the protection of human rights in Ondo State.