As part of the New Year celebrations, Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has pardoned no fewer than 77 inmates in correctional centres across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, the action followed the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional responsibility vested in state governors under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowering them to grant pardons, commutations or reprieves to convicted persons based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The statement read, “This gracious act, timed to commemorate the January 1, 2026, New Year celebrations, underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s deep commitment to rehabilitative justice, second chances and the humane side of governance.
“It reflects his belief that the justice system should balance accountability with compassion, particularly for those who have demonstrated genuine remorse and potential for reintegration into society.”
According to the statement, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who is the chairman of the advisory council, explained the meticulous process behind the recommendations.
He said, “In commemoration of the January 1, 2026, New Year’s Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor.
“In so doing, the council considered the nature of the offence, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health condition, rehabilitation prospects and reports from correctional and legal authorities.”
Commending the governor’s decision, Ajulo noted that after due consideration, the governor graciously approved the list of beneficiaries, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s thoughtful approach in personally reviewing each case to ensure fairness and humanity prevailed.
He added that the approved clemency measures included the outright release of 12 convicts who had shown exemplary conduct and completed significant portions of their sentences; commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment or fixed terms for 22 condemned inmates; and reduction of life imprisonment to 25 years for four inmates.
Other clemency measures include the reduction of life imprisonment to 20 years for 14 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 15 years for 15 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 10 years for six inmates; and commutation to lesser terms of imprisonment for four inmates.
“This compassionate gesture by the governor exemplifies profound mercy and forward-thinking leadership that prioritises rehabilitation over mere punishment.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions reaffirm his unwavering dedication to justice sector reforms, the decongestion of correctional facilities and the fostering of hope for redemption among those who have erred but are willing to reform,” the statement concluded.
