Sunday Morakinyo, Pardoned by Osun Governor, Returns Home Suffering from Mental Illness

The family of Sunday Morakinyo, an indigene of Osun State who was recently pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that he returned home suffering from a severe mental disorder. Morakinyo, who had been incarcerated for over a decade, is now the focus of a family appeal for assistance in his rehabilitation.

Morakinyo and his co-accused, Segun Olowookere, were arrested and arraigned on January 30, 2013, at the Osun State High Court in Ikirun on charges of conspiracy, robbery, and theft. The prosecution alleged they conspired to steal chickens and eggs worth ₦20,000 from one Oguntade Faramade. Both men were sentenced to death on December 17, 2014, by Justice Jide Falola. Despite protesting their innocence, they remained incarcerated at the Ilesa Correctional Centre.

In late 2024, public outcry prompted Governor Adeleke to review the case. Following the governor’s intervention, both men were pardoned and released from prison. However, upon Morakinyo’s return, his family noticed a drastic deterioration in his mental health.

According to his uncle, Ojo Olaide, Morakinyo exhibited no signs of mental illness before his arrest. “Nothing was wrong with him before the arrest,” Olaide stated. He attributed his nephew’s condition to the alleged abuse and torture Morakinyo endured while in police custody, which he believes contributed to his mental decline. Olaide further criticized the police for allegedly fabricating confessions, leading to Morakinyo’s wrongful imprisonment.

The family expressed their gratitude for the governor’s pardon but voiced concern over Morakinyo’s well-being. “We thank the governor for his kindness, but we need help to treat Sunday and rehabilitate him,” Olaide said. The family is now preparing to take Morakinyo to the hospital for treatment and has called on well-meaning Nigerians to assist with his medical and rehabilitative care.

“We are preparing to take him to the hospital on Monday,” Olaide added, urging for support to help restore Morakinyo’s health and well-being.