In response to the Ogun State Government’s plan to sign death warrants for condemned inmates as a deterrent to rising violent crimes, former Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Obioma Ezenwobodo, has issued a passionate plea for reconsideration.
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The initiative, announced by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, followed his inspection of correctional facilities in Abeokuta. However, Ezenwobodo has called for the adoption of life imprisonment instead of capital punishment, emphasizing that death penalties are inhumane and fail to effectively deter crime.
Referencing global perspectives, Ezenwobodo highlighted remarks by renowned figures like Coretta Scott King and Bryan Stevenson, who oppose the death penalty, arguing it is a violent retaliation that undermines human dignity. Stevenson notably said:
“The death penalty is not about whether people deserve to die for the crimes they commit. The real question of capital punishment is, do we deserve to kill?”
Ezenwobodo further noted the global shift away from capital punishment, citing that over 140 countries have abolished or suspended its use. He pointed out regional strides, including Chad’s 2020 abolition of the death penalty and Ghana’s similar move in 2023.
In Nigeria, while death sentences are enshrined in law, courts have increasingly questioned the constitutionality of execution methods. Ezenwobodo referenced James Ajulu & Ors v. A.G. Lagos State, where the court declared death by hanging or firing squad a violation of human dignity under the Nigerian Constitution.
Ezenwobodo also raised concerns about wrongful convictions, noting instances where death row inmates were later proven innocent due to flawed investigations or inadequate legal representation.
While acknowledging the rise in violent crimes in Ogun State, Ezenwobodo attributed much of this to Nigeria’s economic struggles, which have pushed many into poverty. He urged the government to focus on improving citizens’ welfare and investing in advanced security measures to address the root causes of crime.
“The Ogun State Government should protect human dignity by commuting death sentences to life imprisonment,” Ezenwobodo said. “This aligns with modern practices and demonstrates a commitment to justice and humanity.”
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