Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has freed 15 convicted inmates to celebrate his 60th birthday.
The birthday bash of the governor was put on hold due to the death of Secretary to the State Government, Hon Oluwatuyi Tayo popularly known as Tukana.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also pardoned 25 other inmates who sentenced to death or life imprisonment.
The inmates who were sentenced to death were commuted to life imprisonment while the jail term of others would be reduced.
This was announced by Ondo Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo.
Dr. Ajulo, who also chairs the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, said the Governor’s action has nurtured renewed hope for reintegration into the society.
Ajulo stated that Aiyedatiwa’s hand of mercy to 40 convicts reflected commitment to rehabilitation and the transformative power of second chances.
He said 15 convicts would be released immediately.
According to him, “In a further demonstration of mercy, several death sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, while others will see their terms of incarceration reduced, thereby nurturing renewed hope for reintegration into society.
“It is noteworthy that Governor Aiyedatiwa chose to forgo his birthday celebrations in honour of the late Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi (Tuykana), who died last weekend.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions are in accordance with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”
