An Ogun State High Court sitting in Kobape, Abeokuta, on Monday, sentenced Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for the murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa on January 1, 2023.

Following the verdict, Nigerians have urged Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to sign the death warrant without delay, ensuring swift justice for the victims. Many citizens argue that condemned criminals often remain on death row for years, sustained by taxpayers’ money while justice remains incomplete.

Public Outcry for Immediate Execution

Although the court’s ruling has been widely praised, concerns persist over the government’s hesitance to sign execution orders, leaving many death row inmates languishing in correctional facilities indefinitely. Frustrated citizens have taken to social media, demanding urgent action.

A Facebook user, Otunba Smart Adeleke Al-Makura, voiced his frustration, writing:

"All executive governors should sign the papers of those on death row rather than keeping them in correctional centers, wasting taxpayers' money to feed them. Governor Dapo Abiodun should sign this sharp-sharp to decongest the correctional facilities. These criminals don’t deserve to be alive."

Another user, Taiwo Samson Enitan, praised the judiciary but stressed the need for swift implementation:

"Thanks to the judiciary system. To reduce criminal activities in our society, the death warrant of these murderers should be signed immediately. This will not only lower crime rates but also instill fear in those who have similar criminal intentions."

Similarly, Ya’u Ibrahim argued that the failure to enforce capital punishment contributes to rising crime rates:

"Governors don’t sign death warrants. If people were hanged or shot after being sentenced, the desperate pursuit of wealth through crime would drastically reduce."

Emphasizing the need for urgency, Com. Olusegun Makavelli Shakur stated:

"I hope the governor quickly signs this to serve as a deterrent. We cannot afford to pamper such heinous crimes."

Samson Taiwo echoed this sentiment, urging:

"The governor should sign their death warrant immediately. They don’t deserve to live."

Another user, Titilayo O. Jagun, directly called on the governor:

"Gov. Dapo Abiodun, please sign their death warrant as soon as it gets to you."

Olusegun Fatoyinbo, who claimed to have followed the case from the beginning, described the murder as barbaric and criticized the lack of enforcement of death sentences:

"That’s a very good judgment. I followed the case from the start. The way these criminals killed the couple and their son was barbaric. I don’t understand why all Nigerian governors refuse to sign death warrants. The constitution should be amended to empower state chief judges to authorize executions."

Brutal Murder That Shocked the Nation

The Fatinoye family was attacked in their Ibara GRA residence shortly after returning from a New Year crossover service.

Led by their driver, Lekan Adekanbi, the assailants broke into the house around 2 a.m., killed the couple, and set both their bodies and the house on fire.

The attackers also tied up their son, Oreoluwa, along with an adopted son, before throwing them into the Ogun River.

While Oreoluwa tragically drowned, the adopted son miraculously survived.

Motive Behind the Crime

In a February 2023 confession, Adekanbi admitted orchestrating the attack, citing frustration over his employers’ refusal to increase his salary or grant him a loan.

"I took this step because the couple refused to increase my salary. When I asked for a loan to buy a motorcycle, they didn’t approve it," he confessed.

With the court’s verdict delivered, all eyes are now on Governor Dapo Abiodun, who holds the final authority to sign the execution order. The public pressure continues to mount, with many demanding swift enforcement of the death sentence to serve as a deterrent against future crimes.