Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday granted clemency to 43 convicts in celebration of his swearing-in as the state’s seventh elected governor.

According to a statement by his spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, in Akure, the pardon was based on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, led by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo.

“As part of this initiative, the governor has ordered the outright release of eight individuals who were previously incarcerated. Additionally, 15 condemned inmates sentenced to death by hanging have had their sentences commuted to various prison terms, while 20 convicts serving life imprisonment have also had their sentences reduced,” the statement read.

The government described the decision as a reflection of Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to reformative justice and humane governance. It also aligns with his efforts to address challenges in the penal system and support the reintegration of ex-convicts into society.