Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has pardoned 40 prisoners to mark his 60th birthday.

The pardon was recommended to Mr Aiyedatiwa by the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, according to a statement by Kayode Ajulo, the commissioner for justice. 

“This compassionate gesture underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to extend grace and mercy unto the said convicts, which represents a vital component of his administration’s ongoing Justice Sector Reforms,” Mr Ajulo stated. 

Similarly, in a statement on Sunday by the governor’s chief press secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the mercy granted to the inmates reflected Mr Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to rehabilitation and transformative power for second chances. 

Mr Adeniyan added that the pardon also underscored the governor’s dedication to fostering a justice system prioritising reform over retribution.

“Among the fortunate beneficiaries, 15 convicts will experience the profound relief of outright release effective from January 12, 2025,” he said. 

He explained that several death sentences would be commuted to life imprisonment to demonstrate the governor’s mercy further. Others will see their incarceration terms reduced, nurturing renewed hope for reintegration into society.

Mr Adeniyan added that Mr Aiyedatiwa’s actions were in accordance with Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).