Governor Ademola Adeleke has taken steps to pardon Segun Olowookere, a man sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State.
The governor directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting Olowookere the prerogative of mercy.
This was revealed in a statement by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, December 17.
The governor’s decision followed a viral video appealing for the young man’s freedom, which caught his attention.
Governor Adeleke, in the statement shared via his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) @AAdeleke_01, said:
“I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. Consequently, I have directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State to commence a full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant the prerogative of mercy to the young man.
“Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”
I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. Consequently, I have directed the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State to commence full investigation into the matter and…
— Gov Ademola Adeleke (@AAdeleke_01) December 17, 2024