Segun Olowookere Free After Governor Adeleke’s pardon
Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death in 2014 for his involvement in theft, armed robbery, and conspiracy, has regained his freedom. His release from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos followed a pardon granted by Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State. This act of clemency also extended to his co-convict, Sunday Morakinyo, and 51 other prisoners.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Public Communication, Olusola Ajala, confirmed Olowookere’s release during a public gathering. Ajala praised the governor for his compassionate leadership, stating that Olowookere was en route to Osun State and might attend the event to personally thank the governor.
“The young man sentenced to death for theft has been freed and is now on his way home,” Ajala announced. “This underscores the humanity and performance of our governor, Senator Adeleke.”
Olowookere’s case initially drew significant public attention following an appeal made by his mother, which resonated widely on social media. The emotional plea prompted swift action from Governor Adeleke, who directed the Osun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to review the case. Legal professionals had warned the governor about intervening in a judicial matter, but Adeleke proceeded, prioritizing justice and rehabilitation over formal constraints.
This pardon process was actively supported by the Monsurat Ajoke Foundation, a non-governmental organization that advocates for the rights of women, children, and marginalized groups across West Africa. The foundation had been campaigning for Olowookere’s release, describing his prolonged incarceration as a case deserving clemency. In a statement, the foundation revealed that documents to secure his release were finalized earlier in the week.
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Olowookere’s journey began in November 2010 when he was arrested and later convicted by an Osun State High Court. His death sentence, handed down on December 17, 2014, marked the culmination of a case that highlighted broader societal concerns about the justice system and its treatment of underprivileged individuals.
Governor Adeleke, in a statement through his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, officially announced the pardon. He emphasized that letters had been sent to relevant agencies to ensure the immediate release of those granted clemency.
This gesture by the governor reinforces his administration’s commitment to justice and compassion. For Olowookere and others like him, the pardon represents not just a second chance at life but a testament to the transformative power of leadership rooted in empathy.
Content Credit| Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo
Picture Credit | https://www.bbc.com/
