In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has granted state pardon to 36 convicts serving various jail terms in correctional centres across the state.
The governor’s decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, who explained that the move was made in line with Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
According to the statement, the beneficiaries of the amnesty were mostly men and women convicted of minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy, many of whom had already served a significant portion of their sentences.
From the Ilesa Correctional Centre, 29 inmates including Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, and Rotimi Paul were released, while seven others — including Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, and Ogunola Rafiu — were freed from the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre.
Governor Adeleke described the pardon as a reflection of the values of compassion, justice, and renewal that 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,” he stated.
Independence Day Holiday in Osun
Meanwhile, the Independence Day holiday was quietly observed across Osogbo, the state capital, as major roads such as the Ota-Efun–Old Garage Corridor, Gbongan–Osogbo Road, and Osogbo–Iwo Road witnessed unusually light traffic.
Banks, schools, and government offices remained closed, while some private businesses struggled with low patronage.
At Ota-Efun Market, a trader, Risikat Salami, attributed the poor sales to the public holiday and the rising cost of living.
“Patronage has been poor because many people chose to stay home. High transportation costs and limited resources are making people spend cautiously,” she told Hobnob News.
About The Author
