Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has started the process of pardoning Segun Olowookere, who was given a hanging death sentence for stealing a chicken.
Olowookere has been on death row at Kirikiri Prison for more than ten years after being captured in 2010 when he was just 17 years old.
Governor Adeleke ordered the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to look into the matter and start the process of awarding a prerogative of mercy as soon as he heard about it.
According to him, “We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives.” He emphasised the state’s dedication to justice and equity.
Widespread support for the governor’s intervention has raised questions about the initial sentence’s proportionality. This case highlights the difficulties in the Nigerian legal system, especially with regard to how those who are economically disadvantaged are treated.
The public was reassured by Governor Adeleke that the issue is getting his full attention and that the state’s reaction was being handled with urgency.
