An Ogun State High Court sitting in Kobape, Abeokuta, sentenced Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging on Monday for the gruesome murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023.
In the wake of the ruling, many Nigerians have called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately sign the death warrants to ensure the timely execution of justice. Several citizens voiced frustration, arguing that death row prisoners often remain in jail for extended periods, costing taxpayers money without fulfilling justice.
While the court’s decision was largely welcomed, concerns about the government’s hesitance to sign execution orders have surfaced. This delay, many argue, has led to a growing number of death row inmates who languish in prisons indefinitely. Frustrated Nigerians have taken to social media to urge action.
On Facebook, Otunba Smart Adeleke Al-Makura wrote, “All state governors should sign the death warrants of those on death row instead of keeping them in correctional facilities, wasting taxpayers’ money. Governor Dapo Abiodun should sign this immediately to ease the congestion in our prisons.”
Taiwo Samson Enitan shared similar sentiments, stating, “The judiciary has done its part. To curb criminal activities, these murderers’ death warrants should be signed promptly. This will not only reduce crime but instill fear in potential criminals.”
Ya’u Ibrahim argued that failure to sign execution orders is contributing to rising crime rates, saying, “Governors don’t sign death warrants. If executions were carried out after convictions, the desperation to make money through crime would drastically decrease.”
Com. Olusegun Makavelli Shakur expressed urgency, stating, “I hope the governor signs this soon to deter others. We cannot continue to pamper criminals who commit heinous acts.”
Samson Taiwo reiterated his plea for swift action, saying, “Governor Abiodun should sign their death warrants immediately. They don’t deserve to live.”
Titilayo O. Jagun directly addressed the governor, saying, “Gov. Dapo Abiodun, please sign their death warrant as soon as it reaches you.”
Olusegun Fatoyinbo, who has followed the case from the start, condemned the crime as barbaric, writing, “This judgment is good. I followed the case closely. The way they killed the couple and their son was horrifying. I don’t understand why Nigerian governors refuse to sign death warrants. The constitution should be amended to allow state chief judges to sign them.”
The Fatinoye family was attacked in their Ibara GRA home shortly after returning from a crossover church service. Led by their driver, Adekanbi, the assailants broke in around 2 a.m., killing the couple and setting both their bodies and the house on fire. They also bound their son, Oreoluwa, and an adopted child before throwing them into the Ogun River. While Oreoluwa tragically died, the adopted child survived.
In a February 2023 interview, Adekanbi confessed to masterminding the attack due to his employers’ refusal to raise his salary or approve a loan to buy a motorcycle.
