By Ayodele Oni
77 inmates across correctional facilities in Ondo state are lucky beneficiaries of clemency from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as part of activities to mark the January 1, 2026 New Year celebration.
The approval followed recommendations by the Ondo State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who chairs the council, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Akure.
Ajulo said the beneficiaries were carefully selected after a thorough review of their cases by the council.
“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
“In making the recommendations, the council considered the nature of offences, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age, health condition, rehabilitation efforts, prospects of reintegration, as well as reports from correctional and legal authorities,” he said.
He noted that after due consideration, Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the recommendations in line with his commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and humane governance.
A breakdown of the approved clemency shows that 12 inmates were granted outright release, while death sentences of 22 condemned inmates were commuted to life imprisonment or fixed jail terms.
The governor also approved the reduction of life sentences to 25 years for four inmates, 20 years for 14 inmates, 15 years for 15 inmates, and 10 years for six inmates.
In addition, four inmates had their sentences commuted to lesser terms of imprisonment.
Ajulo commended the governor for what he described as a compassionate and forward-looking decision, noting that the gesture would help decongest correctional centers and give deserving inmates a second chance.
According to him, the exercise reflects the governor’s dedication to justice sector reforms and the reintegration of reformed inmates into society.
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