Gov Adeleke Pardons 36 Convicts To Mark Nigeria at 65
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that Osun State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has granted amnesty to 36 inmates serving time at correctional facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Osogbo by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed. He stated that the Governor’s action reflects the values of compassion, justice, and renewal that Independence Day symbolizes.
“Governor Adeleke’s decision reflects the spirit of compassion, justice, and renewal which Nigeria’s Independence Day represents. As a government of the people, we remain committed to upholding justice while extending mercy to deserving citizens. This amnesty is not only a gesture of freedom but also a call for true rehabilitation, reintegration, and a fresh start for these individuals,” Rasheed said.
The amnesty was granted under the powers conferred on the Governor by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), following the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
In an official proclamation dated September 24, 2025, and signed under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, Governor Adeleke stated:
“WHEREAS, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria has granted amnesty to the convicted persons listed and attached hereto, who are subject to the jurisdiction of Osun State…
NOW KNOW YE THAT I, Senator (Dr) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Paragraph (a) Subsection (1) of Section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and acting in accordance with the Advisory Council of State designated under Subsection (2) of the said Section, am graciously pleased to extend my mercy to the said thirty-six (36) convicts.
By this act, I remit and release unto them all pains, penalties, and punishments whatsoever that may have accrued from their convictions, and I hereby require all to whom it may concern to take due notice thereof.
AND FOR SO DOING, this shall be a sufficient warrant.”
The inmates granted amnesty were mostly convicted of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, with many having already served a substantial portion of their sentences.
Beneficiaries of the Independence Day Amnesty include:
From Ilesa Correctional Centre: Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, Rotimi Paul, Oyewole Sunday, Ojo Adewale, Tajudeen Ridwan, Jokotola Quadri, Akinola Taofeek, Onibukun Adebisi, Azeez Afeez, Abdulgafar Quadri, Udoh Monday O., Babawale Saheed, Olasunkanmi Wasiu, Adetoro Toheeb, Mudashiru Lawal, Ismaila Wahab, Yinka Oyeniyi, Olaniyan Taofeek, Sheu Mumini, Ololade Bashit, Musibau Abdulkareem, Jamiu Sulaeeb, Jeremiah Ayuba, Abimbola Samad, Oladeji Tosin, and Mathew Samuel.
From Ile-Ife Correctional Centre: Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, Ogunola Rafiu, Ayomide Amos, Usman Adefisan, and Adedigba Abiodun.
