Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted clemency to 77 inmates serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The clemency, which took effect on January 1, 2026, followed recommendations from the Ondo State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo.
According to the statement, the beneficiaries were selected after a thorough and comprehensive review process conducted by the council.
It explained that key considerations included the nature of offences committed, the length of time already served, conduct and behaviour while in custody, age, health condition, level of rehabilitation, prospects for reintegration into society, and reports from correctional and legal authorities.
“In commemoration of the January 1, 2026 New Year celebration, the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the clemency of Mr. Governor,” the statement said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the recommendations after carefully reviewing each case.
Details of the approved clemency measures showed that 12 inmates were granted outright release, while 22 condemned inmates had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment or fixed terms.
Additionally, four inmates had their life sentences reduced to 25 years, 14 inmates to 20 years, 15 inmates to 15 years, six inmates to 10 years, while the sentences of four other inmates were reduced to lesser terms of imprisonment.
The statement described the action as a demonstration of compassion and a strong commitment to justice sector reforms by the Aiyedatiwa administration.
It added that the clemency would help decongest correctional facilities and promote rehabilitation and successful reintegration of reformed inmates into society.
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