Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an immediate review of the case of a young man sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in the state. This directive was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed ¹.
According to the statement, Adeleke instructed the Attorney General of the state to investigate the case and ensure the individual is considered for a prerogative of mercy before the end of the year. The governor emphasized his commitment to justice and fairness, recognizing the separation of powers in the state’s democracy ¹.
Adeleke directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man. He reiterated the state’s dedication to upholding equity and protecting the sanctity of human life. “Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” Adeleke added ¹.
The governor assured the public that the case is receiving his personal attention and stressed the urgency of the matter. “A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government,” the statement read ¹.
The case involves a young man, Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death 10 years ago at the age of 17 for allegedly stealing a fowl and eggs from a poultry farm in Oyan, Osun State ².
The World Institute of Peace had appealed to the governor for clemency on behalf of Olowookere, highlighting the gravity of the death sentence for such an offense, particularly considering the young age at which he was convicted ².
Olowookere’s parents, Folashade and Olanrewaju Olowookere, have been vocal in their pleas for clemency, expressing their devastation over the loss of their only son to the confines of prison for over a decade ².
The governor’s directive has been welcomed by many, who see it as a step towards upholding justice and fairness in the state. The case is expected to receive urgent attention, with a possible review of the death sentence before the end of the year ³.
As the case unfolds, many will be watching to see how the state government handles the review and potential prerogative of mercy for Olowookere. The governor’s commitment to justice and fairness will be put to the test in this high-profile case.
