Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has directed an immediate investigation into the case of Segun Olowookere, a teenager sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a chicken. Governor Adeleke issued the directive through a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday.
The Governor instructed the state’s Attorney General to intervene and ensure that Olowookere is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the end of the year.
In the statement, Governor Adeleke emphasized, “Osun is a land of justice and equity. We must ensure fairness and protection of lives,” adding that the case was receiving urgent attention.
This directive follows an appeal for clemency by the World Institute of Peace, which highlighted that Olowookere, who was convicted when he was 17, had been sentenced over a decade ago for allegedly stealing a fowl and eggs. His parents have repeatedly called for his release, noting the disproportionate nature of the death sentence for a minor theft.
The institute also raised ethical concerns about the severity of the punishment, given Segun’s young age and the relatively low value of the stolen items.
