Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has granted clemency to 53 inmates, including Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo, who were sentenced to death for armed robbery.
The pardon, announced on Thursday, December 27, followed recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. 
The move aims to demonstrate compassion and provide a second chance to reformed convicts.
In a statement by his media aide, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke exercised his constitutional powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service,” the governor said.
He further clarified that 30 inmates had their sentences remitted, while 12 received outright pardons.
Among the six inmates initially sentenced to death, four—including Olowookere and Morakinyo—were released unconditionally, and two others had their sentences commuted.
Olowookere and Morakinyo’s case drew public attention after claims surfaced that they were sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
However, judicial records confirmed their conviction for armed robbery, including breaking into a police officer’s home in 2010.
“The governor’s decision reflects his belief in justice tempered with mercy,” Rasheed stated, adding that this move should encourage other inmates to embrace rehabilitation.
