The Osun State Government has debunked reports claiming Governor Ademola Adeleke granted pardon to a convicted murderer, insisting that no individual convicted of a capital offence was among the 36 inmates released under the state’s amnesty programme
Osun Govt Denies Pardoning Convicted Murderer, Says Adeleke’s Clemency Followed Due Process
Osogbo, Nigeria — The Osun State Government has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging that Governor Ademola Adeleke granted state pardon to a convicted murderer.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, described the viral claim as “a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and discredit the state government.”
Alimi clarified that Governor Adeleke’s decision to pardon 36 inmates from the Ilesa and Ile-Ife Correctional Centres was carried out lawfully and in full compliance with constitutional procedures.
According to him, the list of inmates recommended for amnesty was submitted by the Osun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service through a letter dated September 25, 2025, addressed to the state’s Attorney General.
“Governor Adeleke, with all sense of responsibility, acted in good faith and in line with the tradition of extending clemency to deserving inmates on national occasions such as Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary,” Alimi stated.
The Commissioner emphasized that none of the 36 inmates granted amnesty was convicted of murder or any capital offence. He further explained that one of the names mentioned in the misleading report, Kehinde Ganiyu, was convicted for stealing, not for homicide.
“The story suggesting that the governor freed a person convicted of murder is entirely untrue and aimed at discrediting the government,” Alimi said.
Calling for calm, Alimi urged residents to disregard what he termed a “baseless and sensational story meant to stir unnecessary tension.”
“We appeal for calm and understanding from the good people of Osun State,” he added. “The governor remains committed to justice, fairness, and transparency in all his actions. No one convicted of a capital offence was included in the list of those granted pardon.”
Reaffirming the state’s adherence to rule of law, the Commissioner noted that every action taken by the Adeleke administration is guided by due process and the collective interest of Osun citizens.
“The government will continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the exercise of executive powers is transparent, fair, and just,” Alimi assured. Read More
