Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the grant of prerogative of mercy to 77 inmates across correctional facilities in the state as part of activities marking the 2026 New Year celebrations.
The gesture, which followed recommendations by the Ondo State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, underscores the governor’s commitment to justice reform, rehabilitation, and decongestion of correctional centres.+See more details
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who chairs the council, the beneficiaries were selected after a careful review process.
According to Ajulo, the council considered several factors, including the nature of offences committed, length of time served, conduct while in custody, age, health conditions, prospects of rehabilitation, and reports from correctional and legal authorities.
“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. After due consideration, His Excellency graciously approved the list,” the statement read.
A breakdown of the approved clemency shows that 12 inmates were granted outright release, having demonstrated good conduct and served substantial parts of their sentences.
Additionally, 22 condemned inmates had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or fixed jail terms, while life sentences were reduced for several others: four inmates had their sentences reduced to 25 years, 14 to 20 years, 15 to 15 years, and six to 10 years. Another four inmates received commutation to lesser prison terms.
Ajulo commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what he described as a humane and balanced approach to justice, noting that the decision reflects a belief in second chances and reintegration into society.
He added that the exercise aligns with the administration’s broader agenda of justice sector reform and easing congestion in correctional facilities, while offering renewed hope to inmates willing to reform.+See more details
The statement was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, on January 1, 2026.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
