Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has intervened in the case of a 17-year-old reportedly sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl, ordering swift action for his pardon.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said Adeleke directed the state’s Attorney General to investigate the case and ensure the man is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year’s end.
In a post on his X handle, he noted that he had ordered a review following reports that the said victim was sentenced to death by hanging.
“I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl.”
“Consequently, I have directed the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.”
“Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.”the post by the governor read
Earlier, Segun Olowookere, an indigene of Osun State was convicted and sentenced to death and currently in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison.
The parents begged the governor to grant their son amnesty.
The parents also appealed to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, to intervene in the matter.
Segun is the only son of his parents.
An Osun State High Court, sitting in Ikirun, sentenced Olowookere, who was 17 years old at that time, for robbing a poultry farm in Oyan, Odo-Otin local government.
He was said to have stolen a fowl and eggs.
His parents had pleaded with Adeleke for amnesty and pardon for the boy.