FAMILY TO OGUN GOV: DON’T PARDON OUR SON’S KILLER

The family of late Bamidele Adeyemi has appealed to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to reject an application seeking state pardon for one of the men convicted over his death.

Adeyemi was killed in Abeokuta in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. His family said he was carrying out community security duties when he was attacked after refusing to reopen a restricted gate.

Ajayi Olayinka and Abayomi Oguntayo were later prosecuted in connection with the incident. In 2023, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment after entering a plea bargain that reduced the original murder charge to voluntary manslaughter.

Olayinka subsequently applied for executive clemency, arguing through his lawyer that the offence was not premeditated and asking the governor to exercise his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy.

The deceased’s family rejected the request, saying the application misrepresented the circumstances surrounding Adeyemi’s death. They urged the governor to allow the court’s judgment to stand.

The family also opposed arguments that Olayinka’s educational achievements while in custody should influence the clemency decision.

As of the time of the report, the Ogun State Ministry of Justice and the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy had not publicly responded to the application.