New Year: Aiyedatiwa grants clemency to 77 inmates in Ondo
Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved clemency for 77 inmates across various correctional facilities in the state as part of activities marking the 2026 New Year celebration.
The governor said the decision was taken in the spirit of the season, noting that inmates who have shown genuine remorse and positive conduct deserve a second chance at life.
In a statement issued today by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa explained that the gesture followed recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN.
According to the statement, 12 inmates who demonstrated exemplary behaviour and had served substantial portions of their sentences were granted outright release. In addition, 22 condemned inmates had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or fixed jail terms.
Dr Ajulo further disclosed that several inmates serving life sentences also benefitted from sentence reductions, with their terms reviewed downward to 25, 20, 15, and 10 years respectively.
The statement read in part: “In commemoration of the January 1, 2026 New Year’s Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor.
“In arriving at this decision, the Council carefully considered the nature of the offences, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health conditions, rehabilitation efforts, prospects of reintegration, as well as reports from correctional and legal authorities.”
The council described the governor’s action as a compassionate and progressive step that underscores his administration’s commitment to justice sector reforms, decongesting correctional centres, and promoting rehabilitation over punitive measures.
It added that the clemency offers renewed hope and a path to redemption for inmates willing to reform and reintegrate into society.
