Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has granted a pardon to 43 convicts in the state. The announcement was made during his inauguration speech on Monday.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath of office, Aiyedatiwa stated that the decision was made in consultation with the state’s advisory council on the prerogative of mercy.
“Having reviewed the recommendations of the state advisory council, this administration, on December 24, 2024, considered a list of convicts deserving of mercy. Today, I am exercising the authority vested in me as governor to grant pardon to 43 individuals who had been sentenced or condemned for various offenses,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was sworn in at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, alongside his deputy, Olayide Adelami, at approximately 12:59 p.m. The inauguration comes two months after his victory in the Ondo governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to governance, Aiyedatiwa assured the people of Ondo State that he and his deputy would work diligently to fulfill their promises.
“The renewed mandate you have given us is a responsibility we do not take lightly. We pledge to govern with dedication, integrity, and a focus on the welfare of our people, especially the most vulnerable—the poor, the sick, and the marginalized,” he said.
He also outlined his administration’s economic agenda, emphasizing plans to develop Port Ondo and harness the state’s vast bitumen deposits for local use and export.
“In the next four years, we will collaborate with investors and development partners to actualize the Port Ondo project. Additionally, we will explore the potential of our bitumen resources to generate revenue for the state,” Aiyedatiwa added.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key political figures, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande, and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
( Channel tv)
