As part of activities to usher in the New Year, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the release of 77 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state.
The pardon followed recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which advised the governor to grant clemency to the affected convicts.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the gesture formed part of events marking the January 1, 2026 New Year celebration and highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dedication to rehabilitative justice, compassion, and giving offenders a second chance.
According to the statement, the governor believed the justice system should strike a balance between accountability and compassion, especially for inmates who have shown genuine remorse and the potential for successful reintegration into society.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who chairs the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, explained the process that led to the recommendations.
“In commemoration of the January 1, 2026 New Year Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor,” Ajulo said.
He added that the council carefully considered factors such as the nature of offences committed, length of time already served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health conditions, level of rehabilitation, prospects of reintegration, as well as reports from correctional and legal authorities.
Ajulo praised the governor for approving the recommendations, noting that Mr Aiyedatiwa personally reviewed each case to ensure fairness and compassion.
“After due consideration, Mr Governor graciously approved the list of beneficiaries,” he added.
He disclosed that the approved clemency measures include the outright release of 12 convicts who demonstrated exemplary conduct and had served substantial portions of their sentences.
Ajulo said other measures include the commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment or fixed jail terms for 22 condemned inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 25 years for four inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 20 years for 14 inmates; reduction to 15 years for 15 inmates; reduction to 10 years for six inmates; and commutation to lesser terms of imprisonment for four inmates.
Ajulo described the gesture as a demonstration of profound mercy and forward-thinking leadership that prioritises rehabilitation over punishment.
He said the action reaffirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to justice sector reforms, decongesting correctional facilities and restoring hope among inmates willing to reform.
