Slain ex-lawmaker’s wife laments murderers’ release

Wife of a former member of the Osun State House of Assembly,  Mrs Oluranti Olagbaju, has expressed shock over the state pardon granted the convicted murderers of her husband, Honourable Odunayo Olagbaju, who was murdered 10 years ago.

Olagbaju was a  member of the Osun State House of Assembly, representing Ile-Ife  constituency, between 1999 and 2003. He was murdered near Moore police station, Ile-Ife, on December 20, 2001.

Those convicted  of his  murder: Olaolu Adegbaju and Ekundayo Odubade, were arrested, charged to court, convicted in 2006 and condemned  to death by hanging.

The state  governor,  Mr Rauf Aregbesola, while marking his one year in office, granted pardon to the two convicts,  in line with the  provision of the constitution which gives him  the right of prerogative of mercy .

Speaking on the issue, in  Ile-Ife on Tuesday, shortly after an event marking  the 10th  anniversary   of the death of her husband, Mrs Olagbaju  said it was unbelievable that those convicted of the murder  could be released  just like that.

“We were preparing for the 10th anniversary of my late husband when we heard of it I heard 13 days ago, that the two people sentenced for killing him have been pardoned. I didn’t believe it initially , when I heard of it; I said it was impossible.”


source: www.tribune.com.ng