Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has voiced concern over the reported death sentence handed down to a young man in the state for stealing a chicken.

In a statement posted on X.com on Tuesday, Adeleke instructed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and begin proceedings to grant the young man a prerogative of mercy.

He wrote, “I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl.

“Consequently, I have directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State, to commence a full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”

The case, which has garnered significant attention, reportedly involves a young man who was arrested in 2010 and sentenced to death by hanging in 2014 after being convicted of stealing a chicken.

The incident has sparked widespread debate over the harshness of the punishment for what many view as a relatively minor offense.