In a recent statement, the spokesperson for Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, vehemently denied the rumors suggesting that Governor Adeleke intends to grant a pardon to Rahman Adedoyin. Adedoyin, the founder of Oduduwa University, was sentenced to death by hanging by the Osun State High Court for the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a postgraduate student from Obafemi Awolowo University.
Rasheed clarified that Governor Adeleke has never interfered with the judicial process and has no intentions of doing so. He condemned the spread of fake news, labeling those responsible as public enemies. Rasheed accused these individuals of being politically motivated and attempting to blackmail the state governor.
The spokesperson emphasized that neither Governor Adeleke nor his political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have any hidden agenda concerning Adegoke’s murder, except for ensuring that the culprits face the full consequences of the law. Rasheed further asserted that no PDP member served as counsel for any of the convicted individuals, emphasizing the independence of the state judiciary in handling the case.
Rasheed urged the public to disregard the ongoing rumors of a potential state pardon, dismissing them as falsehoods perpetuated by disgruntled political elements. He insisted that Governor Adeleke has never been associated with Adedoyin or Oduduwa University, and he did not intervene or display any ulterior motives during the arraignment, hearing, and sentencing of the accused.
The murder case dates back to November 2021 when Timothy Adegoke was found dead at Adedoyin’s Hilton Honours Hotel in Ile-Ife, where he had been staying. Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo, delivered the judgment on May 31, declaring Adedoyin and two hotel staff members guilty of the murder. Justice Ojo based the ruling on the available circumstantial evidence, which strongly implicated Adedoyin and his hotel in the crime.