Abiodun Commutes Death Sentences

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Monday, took the oaths of office and allegiance for another term of four years as the fifth civilian governor of the state.

After  the oaths administered  by the chief judge of the state,  Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, the governor announced the release of 49 inmates who included an 84-year-old man, as well as three other condemned prisoners who had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

In his address which he delivered at the event, held in the main bowl of the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium, the governor said the convicts were pardoned on serious medical conditions such as tuberculosis and HIV, while others have spent long terms of over 20 years behind bars.

“I have signed the appropriate warrant ordering the immediate release of 49 convicts who are currently imprisoned in different correctional facilities across Ogun State.

“I have also signed a warrant ordering that the death sentences imposed on three death row convicts be immediately converted to prison sentences.

“The convicts who have received this gesture today, are inmates who have served long prison sentences with some having been in prison for more than 20 years.

At least two of these convicts have serious medical conditions such as tuberculosis and HIV which even render them a health hazard to the prison community.

“Three of these convicts are over 60 years old, with one being 84 years old. Others already have less than two years of their sentences to serve anyway. All of these convicts have shown remorse for their crimes, they have acquired skills and certifications in prison, and they have demonstrated verified good conduct during their imprisonment.”

Speaking on areas of focus in which his second term of office intended to prioritize, Abiodun vowed not to betray the trust which the people of the state reposed in him, but will strive towards consolidating on the achievements recorded under the last four years.