Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has granted amnesty to 36 convicts serving sentences at correctional facilities in Ilesa and Ile-Ife to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo. The amnesty was issued under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, following recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“In a proclamation dated September 24, 2025, and issued under his hand and the Public Seal of Osun State, the Governor extended his mercy to the convicts, officially remitting the remainder of their sentences,” the statement read.
The proclamation applies to 29 inmates from the Ilesa Correctional Centre and seven from the Ile-Ife Correctional Centre. Among those released from Ilesa were Kehinde Ganiyu, Isiaka Mohammed, Oluwatosin Femi, Adebisi Adeniyi, Rotimi Paul, and Tajudeen Ridwan. Beneficiaries from Ile-Ife included Yusuf Ola, Oyedeji Sunday, Ojo Olaoluwa, Ogunola Rafiu, Ayomide Amos, Usman Adefisan, and Adedigba Abiodun.
Most of the pardoned inmates had been convicted for minor offences such as stealing and conspiracy and had served significant portions of their sentences.
Speaking on the decision, Governor Adeleke described the amnesty as a demonstration of compassion, justice, and renewal. “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 said.
The governor added that the move aims to promote social reintegration and reformation, enabling ex-convicts to become productive members of society.