A heated controversy has erupted in Osun State over the intervention of Governor Ademola Adeleke in a death sentence case involving a convict, Segun Olowookere.
This case, sensationally dubbed the “Death-for-Fowl” saga, has drawn public attention after Nollywood actor Biola Adebayo hosted a podcast featuring Olowookere’s parents.
Their emotional account went viral, prompting Adeleke to order an investigation and begin the process for a possible pardon.
The convict, Segun Olowookere, along with Sunday Morakinyo, had been sentenced to death in 2014 by Justice Oyejide Falola of the Osun State High Court in Okuku.
The charges were grave.
Olowookere and Morakinyo were convicted of armed robbery after forcefully entering the home of a police officer, Balogun Tope, in April 2010.
The duo reportedly stole valuables while armed with firearms, an act that sent shockwaves through Odo-Otin Local Government Area at the time.
Justice Falola, in delivering his judgment, ruled that their crimes merited the ultimate penalty: death by hanging.
For over a decade, the judgment stood uncontested, with no appeals filed by the convicts.
But the narrative took a twist.
Biola Adebayo’s podcast painted a picture of injustice, claiming Olowookere was sentenced to death merely for stealing a fowl.
The dramatic headline caught public sympathy and sparked a wave of outrage online, with many calling for a review of the case.
Governor Adeleke, responding to the uproar, directed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Olowookere’s conviction.
His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, announced that steps were being taken to review the case and consider a pardon for the convict.
This decision, however, has not gone down well with everyone.
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mutalubi Adebayo, has slammed the governor’s move.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Wednesday, Adebayo warned against what he termed an “unconstitutional investigation” into judicial decisions.
“The claim that the prisoner was convicted and sentenced to death for stealing a fowl is an outright falsehood and cheap blackmail,” he declared.
He described Olowookere as a member of a notorious gang of armed robbers who terrorised residents of the community.
“He was fairly tried, convicted, and sentenced to death by hanging. There has been no appeal against the judgment in over 14 years,” Adebayo said.
The senior lawyer expressed concerns over the potential consequences of the governor’s actions.
He warned that such interference could expose judges to threats from criminals and undermine the independence of the judiciary.
“Judges being harassed online for performing their lawful duties is deeply traumatic,” he said, adding that the judiciary should not be vilified based on social media rumours and half-truths.
Adebayo acknowledged the constitutional power of governors and the president to grant pardons.
However, he emphasised that this power does not extend to investigating or questioning judicial decisions.
“The executive arm lacks such powers. Investigating judges for their decisions constitutes a usurpation of the judiciary’s constitutional role,” he stated.
The former Attorney General called on the public to avoid being swayed by misleading narratives spread by social media bloggers.
He argued that falsehoods surrounding the case could damage the integrity of the judiciary and embolden criminals.
The controversy has also reignited debates over the relationship between the executive and the judiciary in Nigeria.
Many have questioned whether the governor’s intervention crosses constitutional boundaries.
Others, however, see Adeleke’s actions as an effort to correct possible miscarriages of justice.
“The governor has a duty to ensure fairness and protect human rights,” said a legal analyst who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
“But any action taken must follow due process and respect the judiciary’s independence.”
This case has stirred strong emotions across Nigeria.
On one side are those who believe Olowookere deserves mercy, especially if the allegations of stealing a fowl are true.
On the other are advocates for the rule of law, who argue that judicial decisions must be upheld to maintain order and deter crime.
As the debate rages, Olowookere’s fate hangs in the balance.
