Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has granted a state pardon to seven convicts serving various jail terms, in continuation of his commitment to prison decongestion and restorative justice.

The clemency coincides with the governor’s 61st birthday anniversary on Monday and follows an earlier New Year pardon of 77 inmates across the state’s correctional facilities.

According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the decision to grant the pardons was based on reports of good conduct and genuine remorse from the inmates. The pardons were approved following thorough recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

“Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy by granting outright pardon and release to seven additional convicts serving various sentences across the State. This gracious act marks the governor’s 61st birthday and builds upon the landmark clemency approved during the New Year celebrations,” the statement read.

The governor’s actions reflect his commitment to providing second chances for inmates who have demonstrated meaningful change during their incarceration.