By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the pardoning of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in the state for stealing fowl.
This was contained in a statement by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, ordered the attorney general to intervene in the matter and ensure the young man is listed for the prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.
He stated, “Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” Adeleke said.
Adeleke assured the public that the matter will receive his direct attention, adding that “a sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government.”
The parents of the convict, Segun Olowookere, an indigene of Osun State who was convicted and sentenced to death and currently in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, had begged the governor to grant their son amnesty.
They had also appealed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun to intervene in the matter, saying is their only son.
An Osun State High Court, sitting in Ikirun, had sentenced Segun, who was 17 years old at that time, for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state.
Segun was said to have stolen a fowl and some eggs.