You lack power to investigate chicken Thief’s death sentence – Ex–Attorney-General tells Gov

You lack power to investigate chicken Thief’s death sentence – Ex–Attorney-General tells Gov

A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mutalubi Adebayo, has warned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, against pursuing what he described as an “unconstitutional investigation” into the death sentence of Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a chicken and eggs in 2010.

Olowookere, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a chicken and eggs in 2010, became the center of controversy after his case went viral.

He and his accomplice, Sunday Morakinyo, were convicted by Justice Oyejide Falola of the Osun High Court in Okuku for theft and armed robbery.

The two men had forcibly entered the home of Balogun Tope, a police officer stationed at the Okuku Divisional Police Headquarters, to carry out their crime.

The case gained widespread attention when Olowookere’s parents appeared on a podcast hosted by actress Abiola Adebayo. In response, Governor Adeleke ordered the Osun Attorney-General to investigate the matter.

However, Adebayo cautioned that such an investigation could undermine the judiciary’s independence, potentially exposing judges to undue pressure and even threats from criminal elements.

“The claim that the prisoner was convicted and sentenced to death for stealing a fowl is an outright falsehood and cheap blackmail, aimed at securing his release through underhanded means.

“The convict was a member of a notorious gang of armed robbers that terrorised residents of Odo-Otin Local Government Area in Osun State before his arrest.

“He was fairly tried, convicted, and sentenced to death by hanging by the Osun State High Court. There has been no appeal against the judgment in over 14 years.

“The executive arm lacks such powers. Investigating judges for their decisions constitutes a usurpation of the judiciary’s constitutional role.

“Judges being harassed online for performing their lawful duties is deeply traumatic, especially when such attacks are rooted in falsehoods and rumours.”