Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted outright pardons to seven convicts to commemorate his 61st birthday.
The exercise of the constitutional prerogative of mercy was announced yesterday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The move builds on a larger wave of judicial reform in the state, coming just days after the governor approved clemency for 77 inmates during the New Year celebrations.
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The seven beneficiaries were not chosen at random.
The state government said the selection process was rigorous and targeted inmates who had demonstrated genuine remorse, as verified by reports confirming a behaviour change.
It also considered those who maintained exemplary conduct with a clean disciplinary record while serving their sentences.
Additionally, priority was given to inmates who actively participated in vocational and educational programmes and showed significant progress in rehabilitation, as well as those assessed to have strong prospects for successful reintegration as productive members of society.
“Their outright release underscores Aiyedatiwa’s firm belief in the principles of restorative justice, prison decongestion, and the provision of second chances,” the statement read.
The Chairman of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, Kayode Ajulo, hailed the governor’s decision as a “thoughtful and forward-thinking” act.
Ajulo, who is also the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, noted that the administration is committed to a justice system that balances accountability with compassion.
Aiyedatiwa granted clemency to a total of 84 convicts in January 2026.
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He pardoned 77 inmates on 1 January 2026 as part of the New Year celebrations, and extended mercy to an additional seven convicts on 12 January 2026 to mark his 61st birthday.
The governor, who was born on January 12, 1965, in Obe-Nla, Ilaje LGA, chose to mark his 61st year by focusing on the humane treatment of those within the correctional system.
