Obaseki Grants Pardon to 10 Inmates as Tenure Ends Today

The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has granted a pardon to 10 inmates with less than a year remaining on their sentences. The pardoned individuals include Igwe Kelechukwu, Esazobor Ohioze, Gift Osaretun, Takyi Rockson, Dikuar Friday, Ossai Glory, Augustine Sunday, Daulagha Ebifagha Godluck, James Paul, and Anas Isah.

This decision was made as part of Governor Obaseki’s exercise of the prerogative of mercy. According to a statement from the Governor’s Media Office, issued by Crusoe Osagie, the pardon followed a request from the Chairman of the Edo State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, retired Justice P.O. Isibor.

The request was based on a letter from the Benin Correctional Service, dated November 5, 2024, which sought a pardon for inmates with less than one year left to serve. The council thoroughly reviewed the request, examined the inmates’ applications, and unanimously recommended their release.

Obaseki, whose tenure ends today, will hand over to Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo, who emerged as the winner of the September 2024 governorship election, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Okpebholo’s inauguration ceremony will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, marking the beginning of his tenure as the fifth governor of Edo State since the Fourth Republic began in 1999. The event is expected to attract APC governors and prominent political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.