Family seeks Oyebanji’s intervention over inmate on death row in Ekiti

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The family of an Ekiti indigene, Haruna Ayeni, who was sentenced to death alongside his late father, has appealed to Governor Biodun Oyebanji to intervene, alleging that the conviction was unjust.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday, Haruna’s brother, Olusola Ayeni, said the case originated from a land dispute between their father and another resident of Emure Ekiti in June 2012.

He explained that the disagreement reportedly escalated into a fight on their father’s farm, after which the other party lodged a complaint with the police, leading to their father’s arrest over alleged assault.

Olusola said Haruna later visited the police station to secure bail for their father but was also detained. Both men were subsequently arraigned for assault before an Ekiti State High Court, but the case was struck out.

According to him, the complainant allegedly died in his sleep during the period of the initial trial, after which Haruna and their father were rearrested at the detention facility and charged with murder.

He added that in 2014, the court sentenced both men to death. Their father later died in custody, while the prolonged incarceration has deeply affected the family, including the health of their aged mother.

Haruna’s lawyer, Seun Ajayi, said he became involved in the matter after the Court of Appeal judgment and disclosed that the legal team is considering seeking executive clemency, although the courts ruled based on the available evidence.

Reacting, the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, dismissed claims of wrongful conviction, stating that the case was duly tried, affirmed by the Court of Appeal and is currently pending before the Supreme Court.