By Ken Chiwendu
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has granted clemency to a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl.
The governor reacting in a tweet on Tuesday evening said he “received a report of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl.
” Consequently,I have directed the Attorney – General and Commissioner for Justice,Osun State to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the you man.
” Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure members of the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with every sense of urgency also attached to our response to the matter.” The governor concluded.
The governor’s intervention however,did not go unnoticed as netizens reacted to the decision.
Most X users applauded the governor’s interest in the matter saying “it is appalling that a judge/ Magistrate could give such ruling on such an offence. They however appealed to the governor to recommend to the Nigerian Judicial Council NJC to probe the verdict, while also calling for the overhaul of the Judicial system which they claim has deep – rooted impunity.
However, some users of the platform, absolved the judge for the death penalty saying there might be a connection between the judge’s ruling and the laws of Osun State. They were equally of the view that perhaps the convict, now pardoned was armed at the time of committing the offence, and the offence may have resulted in death of someone to attract the death penalty.
