Akure: Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has exercised the prerogative of mercy, granting clemency to 77 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Thursday in Akure.
The pardon, which took effect on January 1, 2026, followed the recommendation of the Ondo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo.
The statement said the beneficiaries were selected after a careful, comprehensive review by the council.
The statement said that the council considered factors such as the nature of offences committed, length of time already served, and conduct and behaviour while in custody.
Others included age, health status, level of rehabilitation, prospects for reintegration into society, and reports from correctional and legal authorities.
“In commemoration of the Jan. 1, 2026 New Year celebration, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor,” the statement said.
It said that the governor approved the recommendations after due consideration of each case.
The statement explained that the approved clemency measures included the outright release of 12 inmates, while 22 condemned inmates had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or fixed terms.
It added that four inmates had their life sentences reduced to 25 years, 14 to 20 years, 15 to 15 years, and six to 10 years, while the sentences of four other inmates were commuted to lesser terms of imprisonment.
The statement described the gesture as a demonstration of the governor’s compassion and commitment to justice-sector reforms.
It said that the move would also help to decongest correctional facilities and encourage rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed inmates into society.
