Segun Olowookere’s life took a dramatic turn in November 2010 when, at the tender age of 17, he was arrested and subsequently convicted of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery, and stealing. His sentence, handed down by an Osun State High Court on December 17, 2014, was death – a shocking punishment for a crime often dubbed “death-for-fowl” due to the relatively minor nature of the stolen items. Olowookere’s story remained largely unknown until his mother’s desperate plea for help resonated across social media platforms. Appearing on a podcast, she recounted her son’s ordeal, igniting a public outcry and bringing Olowookere’s case to the forefront of public consciousness. This amplified attention ultimately reached Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who responded swiftly by directing the state’s attorney general to investigate the case and initiate the process for a potential pardon.
The public’s response to Olowookere’s story was a testament to the power of social media in raising awareness about potential injustices within the legal system. The hashtag #FreeSegunOlowookere gained traction, with many questioning the proportionality of the death sentence for the alleged crime. The online campaign brought to light the complexities of juvenile justice, sparking discussions about the rehabilitation of young offenders and the appropriateness of capital punishment, particularly in cases involving minors. The pressure mounted on the Osun State government to review the case, with legal experts and human rights advocates joining the chorus calling for clemency.
Governor Adeleke, acknowledging the public outcry and recognizing the need for a thorough review, tasked the attorney general with examining the specifics of Olowookere’s case. This review involved delving into the details of the original trial, assessing the evidence presented, and considering the age of the convict at the time of the offense. The attorney general’s investigation was crucial in providing the governor with a comprehensive understanding of the case, enabling him to make an informed decision regarding the possibility of a pardon. The involvement of the attorney general underscored the importance of due process and a careful consideration of all relevant factors before exercising executive clemency.
The State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy played a pivotal role in the final decision. This council, established to advise the governor on matters of clemency, reviewed the attorney general’s findings and provided their recommendations. Their role was to ensure that the governor’s exercise of prerogative of mercy was based on sound legal principles and aligned with the principles of justice and fairness. The council’s deliberation took into account not only the specifics of Olowookere’s case but also broader considerations of rehabilitation, public interest, and the potential for reintegration into society.
On Thursday, following the council’s recommendations, Governor Adeleke announced his decision to grant a pardon to Segun Olowookere and his co-convict, Sunday Morakinyo, along with 51 other inmates. The announcement, made through a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, cited the constitutional powers vested in the governor to grant pardons and cited good conduct as a contributing factor in the decision. This act of clemency not only offered Olowookere a second chance at life but also served as a powerful example of the potential for redemption and the importance of considering mitigating circumstances in the application of justice.
Olowookere’s case became a symbol of the ongoing debate surrounding capital punishment, juvenile justice, and the power of social media advocacy. His journey from a death row inmate to a pardoned individual highlighted the complexities of the legal system and the importance of continuous review and reform. The case also underscored the critical role of public engagement in holding authorities accountable and ensuring that justice is tempered with mercy. Olowookere’s pardon represents a victory for those who championed his cause and a testament to the transformative power of public pressure in shaping legal outcomes.
