Governor Adeleke Grants Pardon to 53 Convicts, Including Six Death Row Inmates, in Historic Christmas Gesture

In a bold act of clemency, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has granted a state pardon to 53 convicts, including six individuals previously sentenced to death for capital offenses. The move, announced on Thursday, was in line with the recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and comes as part of the state’s 2024 Christmas celebrations.

Among those pardoned is Ojekunle Timothy, who had his death sentence commuted to 15 years in prison after spending a decade in custody. Timothy’s case highlights the Governor’s commitment to exercising the powers of mercy, as he continues to demonstrate compassion even in the face of serious crimes.

The Governor’s decision to pardon these individuals is categorized into three primary groups: those convicted of simple offenses, those pardoned on health grounds, and those granted release for good behavior. Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, outlined in a statement that a total of 30 inmates convicted of lesser offenses had their sentences completely remitted, while 12 others were granted full pardons due to their conduct.

Notably, four individuals sentenced to death had their sentences commuted, with six others having their death sentences lifted, resulting in their outright release.

Two individuals, Segun Olowokere and Sunday Morakinyo, who had been sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court in 2014 for armed robbery, were also among the beneficiaries of the Governor’s grace. The commutation of their sentences signifies the state’s ongoing commitment to addressing both public safety and justice reform.

Another individual, Ojekunle Timothy, saw his death sentence commuted after spending ten years on death row, serving as a reminder of the Governor’s focus on fair and just measures for those incarcerated.

In a formal letter dated December 24, 2024, Governor Adeleke expressed his decision to exercise his constitutional powers, citing the guidance of the state advisory council. The letter emphasized that the commutation and pardon of these prisoners were part of a broader effort to mark the Christmas season with an act of grace and mercy.

The letter read: “I, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, in exercise of the power conferred on me… am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.”

Governor Adeleke’s act of clemency also involved pardoning individuals convicted of simple offenses, with some even having their sentences completely wiped out. Among those granted pardons include: Oluwafemi Fagbemi, Bewaji Sunday, Amehin George, Ayomide Arulogun, and Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen, among others.

The mass pardons granted by Governor Adeleke come at a time when the Nigerian public has been increasingly focused on prison reforms and the treatment of inmates. Many of the pardoned individuals have shown signs of rehabilitation and good conduct, with some having spent years in custody under harsh conditions. The Governor’s actions are seen as a gesture of goodwill and an effort to provide a fresh start for those who have earned a second chance.

The announcement has also sparked conversations on social media, with some celebrating the Governor’s compassion, while others stress the importance of reforming the justice system to prevent wrongful convictions and excessive sentencing.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues related to the justice system, Governor Adeleke’s actions signal a potential shift towards a more compassionate approach to criminal justice in Osun State. While the pardons may provide relief to many of the individuals involved, calls for broader reforms to address the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality, remain strong.

Governor Adeleke’s latest decision is seen as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about justice, reform, and the power of mercy.

Opposition Parties Slam President Tinubu Over Viral Video of Long Queues at Bourdillon; Accuse APC of Weaponizing Poverty

Nigeria’s opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others, have launched scathing attacks on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the country’s worsening poverty levels, following the viral circulation of a video showing long lines of Nigerians queuing for foodstuffs at President Bola Tinubu’s Bourdillon residence in Lagos on Christmas Eve.

The video, which quickly garnered widespread attention, depicted a mammoth crowd gathered on Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, seeking food handouts from the President. The footage, shared by Senator Ali Ndume, highlighted the economic struggles faced by millions of Nigerians, as the holiday season starkly revealed the depth of poverty and hardship across the country.

Opposition Reacts: Calls for Accountability

Senator Ndume, a member of the ruling APC, described the video as a sobering reflection of the state of poverty in the nation. He remarked, “Queues for presidential handouts at Bourdillon on Christmas Eve highlight a sobering reality. Poverty knows no tribe, religion, politics, or region. It is a universal challenge that demands collective action and sustainable solutions.”

However, the opposition parties were quick to seize on the incident, with the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, condemning the ruling party for exacerbating poverty in Nigeria. “It’s sad that the APC is turning more Nigerians into beggars by the day. The statistics are out there for everyone to see,” he stated, pointing out that the poverty rate in Nigeria had become unbearable for many citizens.

Ifoh further criticized the APC government for its inability to address the increasing cost of living, citing the high price of food items, including a bag of rice that now costs over N100,000. “There is hunger in the land,” he said, emphasizing the widespread discontent with the ruling government’s economic policies.

Peter Obi: A Stark Contrast to Nigeria’s Potential

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also joined the criticism, expressing concern over the growing poverty under President Tinubu’s administration. Speaking through his media aide, Obi said, “It’s heartbreaking to see a nation with such potential struggling to provide for its people. The lack of effective governance is evident in the government’s failure to provide basic necessities and opportunities for its citizens.”

Obi’s remarks highlighted the deepening divide between Nigeria’s vast potential and the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens under the current administration.

PDP’s Timothy Osadolor: A Warning to the Political Elite

The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, accused President Tinubu’s administration of “weaponizing poverty” to suppress the masses. “Nigerians need to beg with a pleading hand to survive,” Osadolor said, expressing frustration at the government’s inability to address the mounting hunger and unemployment in the country.

Osadolor warned that the situation could lead to greater social unrest. “A time may come when people will stop begging for food and will go after the political elites, especially members of the APC, who have caused the hardship,” he cautioned.

Young People’s Party: Urgent Review Needed

Egbeola Martins, National Publicity Secretary of the Young People’s Party, added his voice to the condemnation, saying, “Things have never been this bad.” Martins called for an urgent review of the APC government’s economic policies, particularly the subsidy removal, which he argued had exasperated the suffering of Nigerians.

APC Defends Tinubu’s Actions

In response to the backlash, the APC dismissed the opposition’s criticisms, arguing that the President’s charitable actions were nothing new. Bala Ibrahim, the APC National Publicity Director, defended Tinubu’s longstanding reputation for generosity, stating, “Tinubu has been doing this for ages. This is not the first time he is doing it. But now that he is the President, it has become extremely conspicuous.”

Ibrahim pointed out that the President had been helping people in need long before his ascension to office and urged critics to understand that Tinubu’s actions were motivated by a desire to help others. He also accused the opposition of trying to mischaracterize Tinubu’s intentions to “incite Nigerians against the President.”

The Bigger Picture: A Nation in Crisis

As Nigeria grapples with a spiraling economic crisis, the sight of long queues at Bourdillon has become a symbol of the nation’s distress. The ruling government’s inability to alleviate widespread poverty and hunger has led to intense public scrutiny. With the international community highlighting Nigeria’s soaring poverty rate, critics continue to call for more effective governance and policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, rather than fostering dependence on handouts.

The questions remain: Will the APC be able to address the economic crisis, or will the frustration of the masses boil over, as opposition parties continue to push for change?

Wilfred Ndidi Spreads Christmas Cheer to 2,000 Kids in Ajegunle, Lagos

In a heartwarming gesture of generosity, Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on Thursday, December 26, brought immense joy to over 2,000 children in the bustling city of Ajegunle, Lagos. The festive spirit filled the air as the star athlete, alongside local dignitaries and notable figures, made Christmas unforgettable for the children in this vibrant community.

The grand event, held at the Maracana Sports Centre, was a collaborative effort between Ndidi, renowned businessman Yemi Idowu, Fatai Ayoola, the chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, and the traditional ruler of Iwa and Apapa, Mohammed Amodu-Tijani. The Boxing Day children’s party became a major highlight of the Christmas season in Ajegunle, attracting widespread attention from locals and the media.

Despite currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Ndidi took the time to give back to the community in a deeply personal way. The 28-year-old midfielder was seen serving food to the excited children and distributing gifts, bringing smiles and happiness to everyone present. His presence at the event served as an uplifting reminder of the power of generosity and community spirit.

Speaking to the crowd, Ndidi explained that his own childhood experiences were a driving force behind the initiative. “I feel like it’s a festive period and these kids deserve something like this. It’s something they will have to remember and the memory sticks with them,” Ndidi said, his voice filled with sincerity.

He continued, “The happiness on the faces of the children can’t be explained. When you do something for adults, the emotions stay with them only, but when you do something for kids, the adults see it as well, so they also try to do the same. All we are trying to do is to create memories, and I’m happy to be doing this because some of us didn’t have this experience while growing up. I grew up in the barracks like most people know. This is not about football now. Schools are on break and this is a time to create memories, especially among kids.”

The event was not only about the celebration but also about fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. Yemi Idowu, CEO of Cana Sports, expressed his admiration for Ndidi’s involvement. “This is part of something we do every year to try and celebrate with the kids, especially because we are here in Ajegunle and they are friends. I am very happy to have the king, the chairman, and Wilfred to support us in doing this. It has a bigger impact when we all work together.”

The Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, Fatai Ayoola, commended the collective effort to bring smiles to the faces of the children. He highlighted the meticulous organization that made the event a success, explaining, “What we have done is to first accredit them from the LGA secretariat and we drove the kids into this venue. We also made arrangements for those who would come unannounced at the Maracana Park, and they would equally be taken care of as much as those inside so we can have a perfect party. It’s a back-to-back celebration for the kids of Ajegunle, and we are elated to host Ndidi. This month alone, we have had three visitors who have given the kids befitting Christmas gifts. So, what we are doing is to make them happy in grand style.”

The event served as a beautiful reminder of the true essence of Christmas — bringing people together, spreading joy, and creating lasting memories. For the children of Ajegunle, it was a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Wilfred Ndidi and his collaborators.

As the community continues to celebrate the season, the impact of Ndidi’s kind gesture will no doubt be felt for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be part of the festivities.