The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Ilufemiloye Telu I, has demonstrated his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society with a visit to inmates at the Nigerian Prisons Service in Ilesha, Osun State.
During the visit on Thursday, September 22, 2016, the monarch donated cash, a cow and assorted food items to the prison authorities for the benefit of inmates.
Beyond the donations, Oba Akanbi also extended his gesture to inmates who had been in custody for several years over offences for which they were entitled to bail but were unable to meet the financial conditions imposed by the courts.
Several prisoners who had reportedly spent 10 years or more behind bars were released after the monarch provided funds to facilitate their bail.
Speaking during the visit, Oluwo said his decision to identify with the inmates was aimed at giving them hope and reminding them that their lives could still have a positive impact on society.
He urged the inmates not to lose hope, stressing that their circumstances should not prevent them from believing that they could still contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities after regaining their freedom.
The monarch also appealed to the Osun State Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, to examine the cases of awaiting-trial inmates, particularly those who had spent several years in custody without their cases being concluded.
According to him, some inmates had remained behind bars for periods far beyond what was necessary, making it important for the judiciary to review such cases in the interest of justice.
Oluwo further called on the Osun State Government to rehabilitate the Ilesha prison facility, noting that the facility, built in 1900, required attention to improve the conditions under which inmates were being held.
He also appealed to members of the public to stop stigmatising ex-convicts, saying those who had served their sentences should be given opportunities to reintegrate into society and rebuild their lives.
The monarch said society had a responsibility to support genuine rehabilitation and reintegration, rather than permanently defining people by mistakes or offences for which they had already served their punishment.
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