Nigerians Urge Gov. Abiodun to Sign Death Warrant for Ogun Couple, Son’s Killers

Citizens are calling on Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to sign the death warrant for the convicted murderers of a couple and their son, demanding swift justice.

An Ogun State High Court in Kobape, Abeokuta, has sentenced Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for the brutal murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023. The court’s ruling has sparked widespread calls for Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to swiftly sign the death warrant to ensure justice is served.

The judgment has been met with mixed reactions, with many Nigerians applauding the court’s decision while expressing frustration over the government’s reluctance to execute death row inmates. Critics argue that delaying executions allows condemned criminals to live off taxpayers’ money, undermining the justice system.

Public Outcry for Immediate Action

Following the verdict, social media platforms were flooded with calls for Governor Abiodun to act promptly. Many citizens emphasized the need to decongest correctional facilities and deter future crimes by enforcing the death penalty.

Otunba Smart Adeleke Al-Makura, a Facebook user, wrote, “All executive governors should sign the papers of those on death row rather than keeping them in correctional centers, wasting taxpayers’ money to feed them. Governor Dapo Abiodun should act swiftly to decongest the facilities and ensure justice is served.”

Another user, Taiwo Samson Enitan, noted, “The judiciary has done its part. To reduce criminal activities, the death warrants of these murderers must be signed. This will instill fear in others with similar criminal intentions.”

Ya’u Ibrahim linked the rising crime rate to the failure to execute death row inmates, stating, “If governors signed death warrants promptly, crimes driven by desperation would drastically reduce.”

Com. Olusegun Makavelli Shakur urged urgency, saying, “The governor should sign the warrant immediately to serve as a deterrent. We cannot keep tolerating such heinous crimes.”

Similarly, Samson Taiwo appealed, “The governor should sign their death warrant without delay. They don’t deserve to live.”

Titilayo O. Jagun directly addressed Governor Abiodun, writing, “Please sign their death warrant as soon as it reaches your desk.”

Olusegun Fatoyinbo, who followed the case closely, described the crime as barbaric and called for constitutional reforms. “The judgment is commendable. The way these men killed the family was inhuman. Governors must stop delaying executions. The constitution should empower chief judges to sign death warrants,” he stated.

Details of the Crime

The Fatinoye family was attacked at their Ibara GRA residence in Abeokuta shortly after returning from a New Year’s Eve crossover service. Led by their driver, Lekan Adekanbi, the assailants broke into the home around 2 am, murdered the couple, and set their bodies and house ablaze. They also tied up Oreoluwa and an adopted son before throwing them into the Ogun River. While Oreoluwa tragically drowned, the adopted son survived the ordeal.

During a February 2023 interview, Adekanbi confessed to orchestrating the attack, citing his employers’ refusal to increase his salary or grant him a loan. “I took this step because they refused to raise my salary or help me buy a motorcycle,” he admitted.

Calls for Justice and Reform

The case has reignited debates about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s justice system and the need for timely execution of court judgments. Many Nigerians believe that enforcing the death penalty would not only deliver justice to victims but also serve as a strong deterrent to potential offenders.

As the public awaits Governor Abiodun’s decision, the tragic story of the Fatinoye family remains a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked criminal behavior and the urgent need for systemic reforms.