Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy to grant clemency to 77 convicts in correctional facilities across the state.
The approval, which coincided with the January 1, 2026 New Year celebrations, followed the submission of the council’s report on inmates considered deserving of mercy.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan on Thursday.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who chairs the Advisory Council, explained the process leading to the recommendations in a statement.
Ajulo said, “In commemoration of the January 1, 2026 New Year Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor.
In so doing, the council considered the nature of offence, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health condition, rehabilitation and prospects of reintegration, as well as reports from correctional and legal authorities.”
He added, “After due consideration, Mr Governor has graciously approved the list of beneficiaries,” noting that Aiyedatiwa personally reviewed each case before granting approval.
According to the statement, the approved clemency covers the outright release of 12 convicts; commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment or fixed terms for 22 condemned inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 25 years for four inmates; 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.
Ajulo described the decision as a compassionate gesture that reflects the governor’s commitment to justice sector reforms, decongesting correctional facilities and promoting rehabilitation.
(The Hope)