Governor Aiyedatiwa Pardons 43 Convicts, Promises Economic Growth in Ondo State

Akure, Ondo State – In his inaugural address on Monday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State announced the pardon of 43 convicts, marking his first act in office. The announcement came shortly after Aiyedatiwa took his oath of office, which was witnessed by numerous dignitaries, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former governors Bisi Akande of Osun and Olusegun Osoba of Ogun, as well as ministers and other key figures.

In a speech following his swearing-in ceremony at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, Aiyedatiwa revealed that the state advisory council on mercy had presented a list of convicts deserving of clemency. Exercising his powers as governor, Aiyedatiwa said, “I am setting free a total number of 43 convicts who have been sentenced or condemned for various offenses.”

The governor emphasized that his administration was committed to ensuring the welfare of the state’s most vulnerable populations, including the poor, sick, and marginalized. He also vowed to lead with “the fear of God and utmost dedication” while acknowledging the heavy responsibility placed on him by the renewed mandate from the people of Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa outlined key goals for his four-year tenure, promising to focus on economic development, with a particular emphasis on the state’s port and bitumen resources. “In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and development partners to make Port Ondo a reality, while also exploring our vast bitumen deposits for local use and export, generating substantial revenue for the state,” he said.

The ceremony, which took place just two months after Aiyedatiwa’s victory in the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was attended by a host of political leaders, including APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

As Aiyedatiwa settles into office, he has pledged to prioritize the state’s development, ensuring that Ondo remains on a path of growth, unity, and progress.