Osun Governor Grants Pardon to 53 Convicts, Including Six Sentenced to Death
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a state pardon for 53 convicted individuals, including six inmates who were previously sentenced to death for capital offences. The pardon, which comes as part of the state’s 2024 Christmas celebrations, is in line with recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
Among those granted mercy is Ojekunle Timothy, whose death sentence was commuted to 15 years of imprisonment after spending 10 years in custody. Segun Olowokere and Sunday Morakinyo, who were convicted of armed robbery in 2014 by an Osun State High Court, were also among the beneficiaries of this decision.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, it was revealed that the clemency was granted in three main categories: individuals convicted of simple offences, those pardoned for health reasons, and those who were outrightly released due to good conduct. Additionally, some death sentences were commuted to shorter prison terms or outright release.
The official letter of commutation from Governor Adeleke, dated December 24, 2024, has been acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities. It outlined the specific actions taken, including the remission of sentences for 30 inmates convicted of simple offences and the outright pardon of 12 others.
Governor Adeleke expressed his hope that the pardon would bring joy to the beneficiaries and their families during the Christmas season. The full list of pardoned individuals includes notable names such as Oluwafemi Fagbemi, Bewaji Sunday, Amehin George, and Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen, among others.
