A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State Mutalubi Adebayo, has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke not to get ahead of himself in his bid to pardon two men sentenced to death for allegedly stealing a chicken and eggs.
The two men Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo were sentenced to death in 2010 by Justice Oyejide Falola of the Osun High Court in Okuku on three counts of armed robbery and stealing.
Their case sparked public interest when the parents of Segun Olowookere spoke about the plight of their son in a podcast chat hosted by actress Abiola Adebayo. Governor Adeleke hinted at possibly granting pardon to the duo.
“I have read about the case. I recognise separation of powers in our democracy. In this particular case, I have directed the Commissioner for Justice to initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man.
“Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of the sanctity of lives,” the governor said in a statement signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed spokesperson to Mr. Adeleke
However, Mr. Adebayo said Adeleke must not be seen interfering in a judicial matter. He said Olowookere and his partner in crime are being portrayed as victims of injustice, whereas they were criminals.
“The claim that the prisoner was sentenced to death solely for stealing a chicken is an outright falsehood,” Adebayo stated.
“He was a member of a notorious gang of armed robbers who terrorized Odo-Otin Local Government Area. He was fairly tried and convicted after due process.”
He added that the judgement has not been challenged in the Appeal Court 14 years after it was handed down. He also warned that investigating judicial decisions could set a dangerous precedent, exposing judges to intimidation and threats.
“The judiciary must remain independent. Harassing judges for performing their lawful duties is unacceptable, especially when rooted in misinformation.”
