Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed an immediate review of the death sentence handed down to Segun Olowookere, who was convicted for stealing a chicken at the age of 17.
This directive comes after a decade-long incarceration and a recent appeal for clemency by the World Institute of Peace.
Governor Adeleke, through a statement issued by his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, emphasized the importance of fairness in the judicial process.
"I have read about the case. I recognize separation of powers in our democracy," he stated. "In this particular case, I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant the prerogative of mercy to the young man."
The governor's intervention follows a heartfelt plea from the World Institute of Peace, whose Executive Director, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, highlighted the ethical concerns surrounding the harshness of the sentence.
Omotoyosi noted, "Segun’s conviction stems from an incident involving the allegation of theft of a fowl and eggs from a poultry farm in Oyan, Osun State over ten years ago."
His parents, Folashade and Olanrewaju Olowookere, have been vocal in their appeals for mercy, describing their son as a "brilliant young man with a promising future" and expressing their devastation over his prolonged imprisonment.
Governor Adeleke assured the public of his personal attention to the matter, stating, "Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives."
He further added, "A sense of urgency is also attached to our response to the matter as a responsible state government."
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