Governor Adeleke Denies Alleged Plans to Pardon Adedoyin in Adegoke’s Murder Case

In response to widespread rumors circulating on social media, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has vehemently dismissed allegations that he is orchestrating a scheme to subvert the death sentence imposed on Dr. Rahmon Adedoyin, the convicted killer of Timothy Adegoke, a master student at Obafemi Awolowo University. Adegoke was tragically found dead in November 2021 at Adedoyin’s Hilton Honours Hotel in Ile-Ife, where he had been staying.

On May 31, Chief Judge Justice Adepele Ojo delivered a comprehensive judgment lasting over two hours, finding Adedoyin and two hotel staff members guilty of murder. Based on the available circumstantial evidence, the court concluded that Adegoke was killed while residing as a guest at Adedoyin’s establishment.

In response to these serious allegations, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, issued a press statement categorically denying any intention to grant a pardon to the proprietor of Oduduwa University. The statement emphasized that the governor’s administration has never interfered with the judicial process and condemned those behind the dissemination of false information as enemies of the public.

The statement released on Monday read, “Governor Adeleke firmly refutes the growing rumor of a potential state pardon for the businessman. He unequivocally stated that his administration has never contemplated, nor will it ever contemplate, exercising the prerogative of mercy or any similar action regarding a matter that is still under adjudication. The governor labeled the individuals responsible for spreading this baseless news as evil-minded political operatives attempting to blackmail him.”

Governor Adeleke emphasized that he harbors no hidden agenda in relation to this murder case, aside from the public interest objective of ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous act face the full force of the law. He further asserted that no member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is serving as counsel for any of the convicted individuals, emphasizing the importance of the state judiciary’s independence in the fair and impartial hearing and judgment of cases.

“It is utterly unfair for political adversaries and their hired agents to draw any connection between the convicted businessman and myself,” Governor Adeleke stated. “We affirm with utmost responsibility that at no point was Governor Adeleke ever associated as a friend or partner of the Oduduwa University owner. He did not interfere, intervene, or pursue any ulterior motive during the arraignment, trial, or sentencing of the accused.”

The governor urged the general public to disregard the persistent rumors regarding a potential state pardon for the convicted individual, emphasizing his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served. With unwavering determination, Governor Adeleke made it clear that his focus remains on protecting the interests of the people and ensuring that the guilty parties face the consequences of their actions.