Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed concern over the case of a young man sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl.
In a statement shared on X.com on Tuesday, Adeleke directed the state attorney general and commissioner for justice to investigate the case and initiate steps to grant the man clemency.
“I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a fowl.
“Consequently, I have directed the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Osun State, to commence a full investigation into the matter and initiate processes to grant prerogative of mercy to the young man,” Adeleke wrote.
He assured the public that his administration is committed to justice, fairness and the sanctity of human life, adding that the matter is being handled with urgency.
The case, which reportedly dates back to 2010 when the man was arrested and culminated in a death sentence in 2014, has sparked widespread outrage.
Many have criticised the severity of the punishment for what is perceived as a minor offence, calling for reforms in the justice system to ensure proportionality in sentencing.
