Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has extended clemency to Segun Olowookere, a young man sentenced to death in 2010 for stealing a chicken. This pardon was part of a larger initiative, where 52 inmates with varying sentences in Osun correctional facilities were also granted reprieve.
The decision was made following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the pardon was given to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.
“Based on the recommendation of the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy, I have decided to exercise my authority to grant clemency to these inmates,” Governor Adeleke stated in the announcement released on Thursday.
The formal pardon, documented in a letter dated December 24, 2024, was acknowledged by the appropriate correctional authorities in Osun State.
Olowookere was arrested in 2010 alongside Sunday Morakinyo on charges of armed robbery. In 2014, both were convicted by an Osun State High Court and sentenced to death. Olowookere was 17 years old at the time of his arrest.
The charges included stealing two chickens and eggs from a police officer, Tope Balogun, stationed at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Okuku. They were also accused of robbing Balogun Taye of two mobile phones and attempting to rob Alhaja Umani Oyewo in her residence.
Sunday Morakinyo was also among those granted liberty by the governor.
