In a bold move signaling his commitment to justice reform, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has granted clemency to 43 inmates, offering a fresh start to those once condemned to life behind bars.
The governor, acting on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, ordered the immediate release of eight prisoners while commuting the sentences of 15 inmates on death row.
Additionally, 20 others serving life sentences had their punishments reduced.
Beyond being a symbolic inauguration gesture, the clemency reflects Aiyedatiwa’s broader push for a more humane justice system.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, described the decision as a demonstration of the governor’s belief in rehabilitation and second chances.
“This is not just about granting freedom; it is about ensuring that our justice system balances accountability with compassion,” Ajulo said.
Observers have linked the move to Aiyedatiwa’s ongoing judicial reforms.
Last October, he expanded the state’s judiciary by appointing six new judges, a step aimed at strengthening the legal system’s efficiency.
As Aiyedatiwa settles into his role as the substantive governor, his actions continue to draw comparisons to his late predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who had expressed confidence in his leadership. “It has been his wish that I succeed him,” Aiyedatiwa recalled, emphasizing his commitment to carrying forward a legacy of governance rooted in justice and fairness.
