Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting an outright pardon to seven convicts serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state.
The pardon, according to the state government, was approved to mark the governor’s 61st birthday and to further build on the clemency earlier granted during the 2026 New Year celebrations.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the gesture was described as part of ongoing efforts by the Aiyedatiwa administration to reform the justice system and promote humane governance.
Adeniyan said the governor had earlier, on January 1, 2026, approved clemency for 77 convicts based on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
According to the statement, the seven beneficiaries of the latest pardon were carefully selected following verified reports that showed genuine remorse, good conduct while in custody, active participation in rehabilitation programmes, and strong prospects for successful reintegration into society.
“Their outright release reflects the governor’s belief in restorative justice, the decongestion of correctional facilities, and the provision of second chances for individuals who have demonstrated meaningful change,” the statement read.
The government noted that the decision underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s conviction that the criminal justice system should not only punish but also reform, especially where offenders have shown clear evidence of transformation.
The Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Ondo State, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, commended the governor for what he described as a thoughtful and forward-looking decision.
Ajulo said the action reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to balancing accountability with mercy, reforming the justice sector and fostering a society where redemption and second chances remain possible.