The All Progressives Congress, APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa has been sworn in as the Governor of Ondo State in Akure the capital city, alongside the Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
As part of activities marking his inauguration as the seventh Executive Governor of Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has extended mercy to 43 convicts in the state.
Today’s inauguration marks the beginning of Aiyedatiwa’s first full four-year term after replacing Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who died in office in 2023.
The ceremony took place on Monday at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, the state capital, two months after he won the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aiyedatiwa won the November 16, 2024 governorship election after defeating his closest rival and former Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
While Aiyedatiwa of APC polled 366,781 throughout all the 18 local government areas, the runner-up Ajayi scored 117,845 votes.
A former deputy governor, Aiyedatiwa ascended to power on December 27th, 2023 after Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s death from prostate cancer.
The decision followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SAN.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the decision was made to commemorate Governor Aiyedatiwa’s swearing-in on Monday, reflecting his commitment to reformative justice and humane governance.
Adeniyan said, “As part of this initiative, the Governor has ordered the outright release of 8 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 decision is a testament to Governor Aiyedatiwa’s belief in second chances and the potential for rehabilitation. It is His Excellency’s responsibility to ensure that our justice system reflects mercy and humanity.”
