Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has pardoned Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death by hanging in 2010 for stealing a chicken and eggs. The clemency, announced on Thursday, December 26, 2024, is part of the governor’s Christmas initiative to extend mercy and compassion.

In a statement issued by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, Adeleke exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy to release 53 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Service. This decision followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

Highlighting Olowookere’s release, the statement attributed it to his good behavior during incarceration, despite his conviction for a capital offense.

Governor Adeleke’s letter of commutation, dated December 24, 2024, explained the reasoning behind the pardons:
“WHEREAS: the inmates whose names are set out in the schedule to this order have been convicted to various terms of imprisonment…

“AND WHEREAS: following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy that I should exercise my power in relation to the said inmates in order to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration…

“Now know ye therefore that, I, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.”

The clemency covered various categories of inmates:

• Outright pardon for simple offenses: 12 inmates, including Ayomide Olojede, Mustapha Isah, and Olabomi Nurudeen.
• Outright release for simple offenses: 30 inmates, such as Olubo Sunday and Isah Umar Biodun.
• Outright pardon for good conduct in capital offenses: 4 individuals, including Olowookere and Tunde Olapade.
• Outright release on health grounds in capital offenses: 6 inmates, such as Oluwafemi Fagbemi and Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen.
• Death sentence commuted to 15 years imprisonment: Ojekunle Timothy, after over a decade in custody.

This gesture of reconciliation and compassion was part of the governor’s effort to mark the festive season meaningfully. The full list of pardoned individuals was attached to the statement and has been acknowledged by the correctional authorities.