Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved clemency for seventy-seven inmates serving sentences in correctional facilities across the state.
The announcement was made in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, and was timed to mark the New Year celebrations.
The decision followed recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN).
According to the statement, the council carried out a detailed review of each case, considering factors such as the nature of the offence, time already served, conduct in custody, age, health status, and prospects for rehabilitation.
The governor’s approval covered several categories of relief. Twelve inmates were granted outright release after demonstrating exemplary behaviour and serving substantial portions of their sentences.
Twenty-two condemned prisoners had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or fixed terms. Four inmates saw their life sentences reduced to twenty-five years, while fourteen had theirs cut to twenty years.
Fifteen inmates had their terms reduced to fifteen years, six to ten years, and four others received further commutations.
The statement explained that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to justice reform, decongesting correctional centres, and creating opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the clemency as a gesture of compassion and a reaffirmation of his government’s belief in second chances.
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