Gov Adeleke Wades Into Death Sentence On Teenager, Directs Attorney General To Initiate Process For Pardon

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced that he has personally taken up the case of a-17 year old boy, sentenced to death for stealing.

The governor has directed immediate investigation and possible pardon of the young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging by a High court in Osun state for stealing fowl.

Parents of the teenager who was 17 years old when he was condemned and currently detained at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, Lagos State, awaiting the hangman’s noose had pleaded clemency for the convict.

Segun Olowookere was sentenced to death by Osun High Court, for stealing a fowl and eggs.

The parents had appealed to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke for pardon for the convict. He was reported to have been sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court at Ikirun, Osun State.

Segun was accused of robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, located in Odo-Otin Local Government Area. His parents have expressed their devastation, stating that he is their only son and pleaded for his life to be spared.

In a statement on Tuesday evening by the governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor ordered the Attorney General to intervene in the matter and ensure that the youngman is listed for prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.

“I have read about the case. I recognize separation of powers in our democracy. In this particular case, I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.

“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives.

“I assure the public that the matter is receiving my direct attention. A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible State Government.”