According to the statement, the seven beneficiaries were carefully selected based on verified reports of genuine remorse, good conduct, commitment to rehabilitation, and strong prospects for successful reintegration into society.

The move is part of activities marking the governor’s 61st birthday, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

The latest pardon comes barely days after a major New Year clemency approved by Aiyedatiwa on January 1, 2026, in which sentences of 77 inmates were commuted following recommendations by the Ondo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The statement reads, “Their outright release underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s firm belief in the principles of restorative justice, prison decongestion, and the provision of second chances to those who have demonstrated meaningful change.”

Read Also: Ondo Attack: Aiyedatiwa Orders Heightened Security Across State

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In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the action followed the recommendation of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to the statement, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN, who is the chairman of the advisory council, explained the meticulous process behind the recommendations.

The exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy is a constitutional responsibility vested in state governors under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), empowering them to grant pardons, commutations, or reprieves to convicted persons based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The statement read, “This gracious act, timed to commemorate the January 1, 2026, New Year celebrations, underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s deep commitment to rehabilitative justice, second chances, and the humane side of governance.

“It reflects his belief that the justice system should balance accountability with compassion, particularly for those who have demonstrated genuine remorse and potential for reintegration into society.”

Ajulo said, “In commemoration of the January 1, 2026, New Year’s Day celebration, the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy recommended a total of 77 convicts for the mercy of Mr Governor.

“In so doing, the council considered the nature of the offence, length of time served, conduct and behaviour in custody, age and health condition, rehabilitation prospects and reports from correctional and legal authorities.”

Commending the governor’s decision, Ajulo noted that after due consideration, the governor graciously approved the list of beneficiaries, highlighting Aiyedatiwa’s thoughtful approach in personally reviewing each case to ensure fairness and humanity prevailed.

He added that the approved clemency measures included the outright release of 12 convicts who had shown exemplary conduct and completed significant portions of their sentences; commutation of death sentences to life imprisonment or fixed terms for 22 condemned inmates; and reduction of life imprisonment to 25 years for four inmates.

Other clemency measures include the reduction of life imprisonment to 20 years for 14 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 15 years for 15 inmates; reduction of life imprisonment to 10 years for six inmates; and commutation to lesser terms of imprisonment for four inmates.

“This compassionate gesture by the governor exemplifies profound mercy and forward-thinking leadership that prioritises rehabilitation over mere punishment.

“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s actions reaffirm his unwavering dedication to justice sector reforms, the decongestion of correctional facilities and the fostering of hope for redemption among those who have erred but are willing to reform,” the statement concluded.

Read Also: Presidential Pardon List Not Finalized, Still Under Review- AGF

According to reports, Aiyedatiwa has, since assuming office, repeatedly emphasised justice sector reforms, decongestion of correctional centres and the reintegration of reformed inmates into society as key governance priorities.

The state’s correctional facilities, like many across the country, have faced challenges of overcrowding, prompting periodic reviews of inmates’ cases through lawful clemency mechanisms.

Previous administrations in Ondo State have also used festive periods such as Independence Day and New Year celebrations to grant amnesty or sentence reductions, in line with national practice, as part of efforts to promote rehabilitation, reduce congestion in custodial centres and encourage restorative justice.

Source: Punch

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The governor made this call during the party’s quarterly stakeholders’ meeting, urging party leaders to strengthen internal cohesion as political activities intensify in the lead-up to future elections.

Aiyedatiwa emphasized that internal divisions, fueled by personal ambitions or conflicting interests, could undermine the APC’s strength. He stressed that maintaining unity is crucial to ensuring the party remains a dominant force in Ondo State.

The governor advised party members to pursue their political aspirations responsibly and to avoid actions that could destabilize the party. He pointed out that internal conflicts are often more damaging than external challenges posed by opposition parties.

“The quarterly stakeholders’ meeting is a platform for open dialogue, feedback, and cooperation among party members,” Aiyedatiwa explained. “It is also an opportunity to assess our political progress and development across the state.”

On the governance front, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted significant strides in the health sector, including the renovation of medical facilities and the introduction of standby ambulances in all local government areas. He assured that development projects were being distributed equitably across the state’s councils to foster inclusive growth.

READ ALSO:

GOV. AYEDATIWA NOMINATES 12 COMMISSIONERS

At the meeting, APC Chairman in Ondo State, Ade Adetimehin, who was represented by Vice Chairman Atili Agabra, described the gathering as an important opportunity for direct interaction between party members and the governor. Agabra commended the administration for creating job opportunities for young people through various ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as for actively engaging with party structures.

Isaac Kekemeke, APC National Vice Chairman for the South-West, also spoke at the meeting, affirming Aiyedatiwa’s leadership role in the party. Kekemeke described the governor as a loyal party member and a key figure in President Tinubu’s re-election bid in Ondo State.

“The President has great confidence in APC governors across the country,” Kekemeke stated. “Governor Aiyedatiwa is not only a loyal party man but a key mobilizer for our efforts in 2027.”

He acknowledged that much of the criticism facing the government was coming from within the APC, but reassured party members that opposition parties like the PDP and Labour Party no longer posed a serious threat in Ondo State.

Kekemeke urged the governor to continue embracing diverse interests within the party, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity ahead of the 2027 election.

As political campaigns gear up for the 2027 elections, Aiyedatiwa’s call for unity within the APC reflects his commitment to ensuring the party’s success in Ondo State and supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Source: TVC

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According to a letter addressed to the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and dated September 16, 2025, Ajayi confirmed that although an appeal had been filed in his name, he had decided after consulting with his family, legal team, political associates, and party members to discontinue the legal battle.

“After careful deliberation, we have reached a consensus that the appeal should be withdrawn, and I hereby so do,” the PDP flagbearer stated.

Read Also: Appeal Court upholds Aiyedatiwa’s victory in Ondo guber poll

“Having served as Deputy Governor and legislator, my foremost commitment is to good governance and peaceful coexistence in Ondo State and Nigeria. In this spirit, I extend my heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as he leads our state, and I remain dedicated to contributing positively to state and national development.”

The withdrawal signals a major political truce in the state and could usher in a period of bipartisan cooperation. Ajayi also pledged his support for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration, in what observers describe as a significant gesture of reconciliation.

Source: The Nation

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In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, the apex court dismissed the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, seeking to nullify Aiyedatiwa’s victory.

The appellants had sought to nullify the election of Aiyedatiwa over allegations of discrepancies in his running mate Olayide Adelami’s name change and also challenged the legitimacy of Aiyedatiwa and the APC.

They argued that Aiyedatiwa’s running mate, Adelami, who previously had the name “Jackson” as his middle name while in secondary school, had changed it to Owolabi without proper documentation.

However, the concurrent judgments of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal on the matter, which upheld the respondents’ qualifications, were affirmed.

Both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal dismissed Ajayi’s case on procedural grounds, upholding Aiyedatiwa’s victory.

Ajayi’s legal challenge, filed on June 7, 2024, claimed that Adelami’s eligibility was compromised due to alleged falsification of documents.

Meanwhile, the respondents, Aiyedatiwa, Adelami, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission contended that Ajayi lacked the locus standi to file the suit.

They also argued that the filing exceeded the 14-day window prescribed for such cases.

On December 2, 2024, the Federal High Court dismissed Ajayi’s case, ruling that criminal accusations of forgery required more substantial evidence, which could not be presented through an originating summons.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment, upholding the lower court judgments, dismissed the appellants’ suit challenging Aiyedatiwa’s qualification to run in the November 16, 2024, governorship election.

The apex court also held that the appellants lacked the legal standing (locus standi) to pursue the case.

The court declared that it found no legal basis to disqualify the deputy governor based on the appellants’ claims, stating that name changes, when properly documented, do not constitute electoral fraud or grounds for disqualification.

The court further held that the case was statute-barred, upholding the decisions of the lower courts.

It emphasized that the cause of action arose on May 20, 2024, when the nomination forms were submitted to INEC, but the appellants filed their suit at the Federal High Court on June 7, 2024, well beyond the 14-day limit prescribed by law.

The Supreme Court described the petition as baseless, frivolous, and lacking in merit, declaring it statute-barred as it was filed after the constitutionally mandated deadline.

Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, with the court ordering Ajayi to pay ₦2 million in costs to each of the four respondents.

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The deceased, who was the Coordinator of the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation in the council area was allegedly kidnapped and killed by gunmen in front of his house in Supare Akoko community in April this year.

The Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the arrest in a statement.

Read Also: INEC declares Lucky Aiyedatiwa winner of election

She said the suspects, Mohammed Sheu and Abubakar Umar   were arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command.

The police spokesperson disclosed that their style of operation was locating the victim’s residence, going in there and picking them into the bush, after which ransom would be demanded.

Odunlami-Omisanya noted that further investigation on the matter is ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend other suspects in connection with the killing.

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While stating that the state government had failed on the earlier pledge to provide twelve buses to ease transportation of students in the state, the student body urged Aiyedatiwa not to delay further, considering the economic challenges facing tertiary institutions in the state.

During a press conference in Akure, the state capital, NANS, Joint Campus Council, Ondo axis, led by its President, Joshua Oluwarotimi, and General Secretary,  Oluwanishola Ajibola, stated that the move became imperative in order for the government to alleviate the suffering of students amid the current economic downturn.

The students’ leadership, which, however, commended Aiyedatiwa for the recent approval and disbursement of bursaries and scholarships for indigenous students, said, the recent fuel price hike has had drastic effects on the daily lives of students.

The union said the steep rise in the dollar’s exchange rate is alarming, and urge the President Tinubu-led administration to act swiftly in addressing this.According to the group, the Ondo State Government pledged to provide twelve buses for student mobility across the state. Though 70% of the funds for the project were reportedly paid, these buses are yet to arrive. Recently, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Students’ Affairs,  Kevin  Olaolu, reassured us that the buses would arrive soon.

The palliative initiatives meant to alleviate hunger and hardship promised by the Ondo State Government have not been fulfilled. Students eagerly await the distribution of palliatives, but none have been received so far. This neglect only worsens the difficult circumstances faced by students.

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