From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Ooni of Ife, Kabiyesi Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, visited the former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele and freed five prisoners in Kuje Custodial Centre, after he paid their fines.
The visit was in comomeration of his 8th-year anniversary on the throne of his fathers.
In his remarks, the Ooni, said his visit was necessitated by his empathy for humanity and his belief in giving second chance to people to correct their mistakes. He expressed joy on the warm reception accorded him and his wife on the occasion.
He urged inmates not to see their incarceration as the end of life. Rather, they should see it as an opportunity to turn a new leaf.
“I am here for the real people who need hope. Your condition today will be history tomorrow. So don’t give up,” he advised
The Ooni secured the release of five inmates through payment of fines.
He admonished them to be of good behaviour, comport themselves in line with the rules of the custodial centre and forgive themselves.
The Ooni promised to support the inmates’ rehabilitation programme by giving materials to aid their skills acquisition programme.
Also speaking, the deputy convener, Hope Alive Initiative for Africa, Olori, Dr Temitope Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi said the visit was not only to celebrate the remarkable reign of his majesty but to reflect on societal issues which according to her “we are reminded of the power of forgiveness, redemption and second chance.
In a statement, she applauded the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the correctional service authorities for doing a great job in the reformation and reintegration of the offenders.
The Controller General of Corrections (CGC), Haliru Nababa appreciated the Regal Majesty and the Olori for choosing Kuje to show their benevolence. He assured them of the service commitment to the full implementation of service’s mandate of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates of offenders.
The CGC who was represented by the Controller of Corrections in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ajibogun Olatunbosun admonished the discharged inmates to be good ambassadors of the centre in their future endeavours.