Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has initiated steps to grant a pardon to a young man sentenced to death by hanging in 2010 for allegedly stealing a fowl and eggs.
In a statement shared on X.com on Tuesday, Governor Adeleke directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to investigate the case thoroughly and begin the legal process to exercise the prerogative of mercy.
Adeleke wrote:
“I have received the report of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl. Consequently, I have directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to commence a full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.
“Osun is a land of justice and equity and must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives. I assure the public that this matter is receiving my direct attention with a sense of urgency.”
The case has garnered widespread attention following an interview with Nigerian actress Biola Adebayo, in which the victim’s parents, Olanrewaju and Folashade Olowookere, claimed their son was wrongfully convicted.
According to the parents, the young man, Segun Olowookere, was only 17 years old when he was arrested by Osun State police for a crime he did not commit. Segun has now spent over 14 years in prison.
The victim’s mother recounted that Segun did not eat chicken because she reared broilers. She explained, “We later discovered that some students from Segun’s school were in their vehicle and said they were arrested because of the theft of a chicken and eggs.
“Truth be told, Segun does not eat chicken because I train broilers. He refused to run away, telling us that he didn’t know anything about the theft. He was eventually arrested around 9 pm that night. When I visited the station, I discovered the owner of the chicken and eggs, who happened to be like a brother to me.”
The governor’s actions reflect a commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in Osun State, with hopes of addressing what many perceive as a miscarriage of justice.