- Safiu Kehinde
It was a moment of joy at the Olowookere household as they received the news of Segun Olowookere’s release after 10 years on death row over Theft of fowl at a poultry farm.
NPO reported that Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, had on Thursday granted pardon to Segun and 52 other convicts.
Unaware of the development, the father of the boy, Olanrenwaju Olowookere, screamed for joy while speaking with NPO Reports correspondent in a telephone conversation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Niyi Olowookere, brother to the boy’s father, expressed the family’s delight in having Segun back after 10 years.
They appreciated Adeleke over his intervention while also commending him for his works in Osun state.
“We are so much happy. Right now we are celebrating and rejoicing for having him back after 10 years. We are grateful to God. We are so much thankful to God.
“We so much appreciate the governor. God will continue blessing him and be with him.
“We appreciate what he has done for us and what he has been doing in the state. We pray may God continue to help him.” Niyi Olowookere said.
Recall that Adeleke, had intervened over the court ruling sentencing Segun Olowookere to death for stealing fowl from a poultry farm at Oyan area of the state.
The governor directed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to commence full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy.
His intervention came after an appeal for clemency to the governor on behalf of Segun Olowookere by the World Institute of Peace.
According to reports, the institute’s Executive Director, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, in the appeal, revealed that Olowookere was sentenced to death 10 years ago when he was 17 years of age.