Independence Day: Ondo Govt Commutes 7 Death Sentence To Life Imprisonment, Frees 18 Inmates

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

As part of the celebrations of the country’s 59th independence anniversary, the Ondo state government has commuted the death sentence of seven people convicted of various offences to life imprisonment.

In the same vein, 18 persons serving various jail term for various offences have been released by the state government on the advice of the State Advisory Council of Prerogative of Mercy.

Exercising his powers as the Acting Governor of the state, the Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi in a letter to the Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Services said the seven inmates who have been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging and are awaiting execution should no longer be executed.

The statement by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the State Government, Mr Babatope Okeowo stated “ I Hon Alfred Agboola Ajayi, the Acting Governor of Ondo State of Nigeria in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a) (c) and (d) of sub section (1) 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 condemned inmates and substitute a less severe punishment on the aforesaid inmates as clearly stated in the schedule.

The 18 inmates who were set free by the prerogative of mercy, have served different portion in prison for various offences and have shown remorse during their stay in the correctional facilities.

Meanwhile, the All Progressive Congress chairman in Ondo state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, has commended the founding fathers of the nation for the selfless and worthy sacrifices they made to ensure subsequent generations have a country they could be proud of.

According to Adetimehin, despite our challenges as a country, Nigeria has come of age at 59.

The APC chairman in his independence message to Ondo state indigenes and Nigeria at large, through the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Alex Kalejaye praised Nigerians for being supportive of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

He hails the efforts of the administration to rebuild Nigeria, by putting in place institutions and policies that would stand the test of time. 

He however assured Nigerians that the economic vision and security strategies of the President would soon be applauded by all stakeholders.