The family of Sunday Morakinyo, a man from Osun State who was recently pardoned for stealing poultry, claims he returned home suffering from a mental disorder.
Morakinyo’s family is now seeking assistance from both the Osun State government and the public to help him manage his mental health. They say his condition began after his arrest in 2010 for allegedly stealing fowl and eggs, noting that he was previously in good mental health.
In 2013, Morakinyo and another man, Segun Olowookere, were taken to court for allegedly stealing poultry and eggs valued at N20,000 from a farmer, Oguntade Faramade, in 2010. Both men were convicted of conspiracy, robbery, and theft in 2014, and sentenced to death by the Osun State High Court.
Following public outcry, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke pledged to pardon Olowookere. The governor fulfilled his promise last week, granting pardons to both Olowookere and Morakinyo. In addition, 51 other inmates received pardons based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The announcement was made by Governor Adeleke via a post on his official social media account on December 26.
However, upon his release, Morakinyo reportedly returned home exhibiting signs of mental illness, which his family attributes to his time in prison.
Ojo Olaide, Morakinyo’s uncle, expressed the family’s distress over his condition. “It is sad that after his release, he came back home with a mental illness,” he said.
The family is now urging the state government and the public to offer support in helping Morakinyo recover.
