Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the release of seven prisoners from correctional facilities across the state, extending clemency as part of activities marking his 61st birthday.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 13, by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan.
According to the statement, the governor acted under his constitutional powers to grant mercy, offering a fresh start to selected inmates who had been serving different jail terms.
“In a continued demonstration of compassionate and humane leadership, Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting outright pardon and release to seven additional convicts serving various sentences in correctional facilities across the state,” the statement said.
It added that the decision was taken to celebrate the governor’s birthday and to build on a similar clemency earlier granted during the New Year.
“This gracious act was to mark Mr Governor’s 61st birthday anniversary and further builds upon the landmark clemency approved on January 1, 2026, during the New Year celebrations,” the statement said.
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Adeniyan explained that the seven inmates were chosen after a detailed assessment of their conduct, remorse, and prospects for successful reintegration into society.
“Their outright release underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s firm belief in the principles of restorative justice, prison decongestion, and the provision of second chances to those who have demonstrated meaningful change,” the statement added.
The Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, commended the governor for what he described as a humane and progressive move.
“According to him, this reaffirms his administration’s commitment to balancing accountability with mercy, reforming the justice sector, and promoting a society where redemption is possible,” the statement said.
Earlier in the year, the governor had also approved the release of 77 inmates following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy to mark the New Year celebrations.
Adeniyan said, “This gracious act, timed to commemorate the January 1, 2026, New Year celebrations, underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s deep commitment to rehabilitative justice, second chances, and the humane side of governance.
“It reflects his belief that the justice system should balance accountability with compassion, particularly for those who have demonstrated genuine remorse and potential for reintegration into society.”