Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted amnesty to seven inmates serving various jail terms in correctional centres across the state as part of activities marking his 61st birthday.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, who explained that the gesture followed the governor’s birthday celebration on Monday.
According to the statement, the governor exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by approving the outright pardon and release of the inmates, describing the move as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to compassion and humane governance.
“This gracious act was carried out to mark Mr Governor’s 61st birthday anniversary and builds on the landmark clemency earlier approved on January 1, 2026, during the New Year celebrations,” the statement read.
It added that the beneficiaries were carefully selected after thorough assessments showed genuine remorse, good conduct, commitment to rehabilitation, and strong prospects for successful reintegration into society.
The governor’s action, the statement noted, underscores his belief in restorative justice, prison decongestion, and the importance of offering second chances to individuals who have demonstrated meaningful personal change.
Commending the decision, the Chairman of the Ondo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Dr Kayode Ajulo (SAN), described it as thoughtful and forward-looking.
According to Ajulo, the move reaffirms the administration’s resolve to strike a balance between justice and mercy while promoting reforms in the justice sector and fostering a society where redemption is possible.
Recall that Governor Aiyedatiwa had earlier approved amnesty for 77 inmates at the start of the year, following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. That clemency was also granted to commemorate the 2026 New Year.
Speaking on the earlier release, Adeniyan said the governor’s action highlighted his strong belief in rehabilitative justice and the humane side of governance, particularly for inmates who have shown remorse and readiness to return as responsible members of society.
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