Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pardoned 43 convicts on Monday to celebrate his swearing-in as governor.

Mr Aiyedatiwa will be sworn in on Monday as the seventh elected governor of the state after winning the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

This was disclosed in a statement by his spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

The government said the pardon follows the recommendation by the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the attorney general and commissioner for justice, Kayode Ajulo.

“As part of this initiative, the governor has ordered the outright release of eight individuals who were previously incarcerated.

“Additionally, 15 condemned inmates who were sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms, while 20 other convicts serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences adjusted to more lenient terms.

“This momentous decision was made to commemorate Governor Aiyedatiwa’s swearing-in today, reflecting his commitment to reformative justice and humane governance,” the statement said.

The governor’s action, it added, aligns with his ongoing efforts to address issues within the penal system and to promote the reintegration of individuals into society as productive members.

(NAN)