Ex-Oyo AG cautions Adeleke against probing chicken thief’s death sentence

Mutalubi Adebayo, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, has strongly advised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to refrain from initiating what he called an “unconstitutional investigation” into the death sentence of Segun Olowookere.

Olowookere, sentenced to death by hanging in 2010 for stealing a chicken and eggs, became a focal point of public debate after his case gained widespread attention.

Olowookere and his accomplice, Sunday Morakinyo, were convicted by Justice Oyejide Falola of the Osun High Court in Okuku for armed robbery and theft.

The duo had forcibly entered the home of Balogun Tope, a police officer at the Okuku Divisional Police Headquarters, to commit their crime.

The case went viral after Olowookere’s parents appeared on a podcast hosted by actress Abiola Adebayo, prompting Governor Adeleke to order an investigation by the Osun Attorney-General.

However, Adebayo cautioned that such an investigation could undermine judicial independence, potentially exposing judges to political pressure and threats from criminal elements.

READ ALSO: Adeleke pardons man sentenced to death in Osun for stealing fowl

“The claim that the prisoner was convicted and sentenced to death for stealing a fowl is an outright falsehood and cheap blackmail, aimed at securing his release through underhanded means.

“The convict was a member of a notorious gang of armed robbers that terrorised residents of Odo-Otin Local Government Area in Osun State before his arrest.

“He was fairly tried, convicted, and sentenced to death by hanging by the Osun State High Court. There has been no appeal against the judgment in over 14 years.

“The executive arm lacks such powers. Investigating judges for their decisions constitutes a usurpation of the judiciary’s constitutional role.

“Judges being harassed online for performing their lawful duties is deeply traumatic, especially when such attacks are rooted in falsehoods and rumours.”