Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, will temporarily hand over the administration of the state to his deputy, Bayo Lawal, after the Oyo State House of Assembly approved his request to proceed on annual leave.
The approval was granted during Thursday’s plenary after lawmakers considered a letter from the governor, submitted in line with the constitutional requirement for a governor to notify the legislature before proceeding on official leave.
According to the letter, Makinde’s annual leave will begin on Monday, August 10, and end on September 11, while he is expected to resume office on September 14, 2026.
The letter was read by Deputy Speaker Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the sitting in the absence of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin. Members of the Assembly approved the request without objection and expressed confidence that the state would continue to function smoothly under the deputy governor.
With the approval, Bayo Lawal will serve as Acting Governor throughout the period of Makinde’s leave and oversee the day-to-day administration of the state until the governor returns.
Speaking after the approval, Fadeyi wished Governor Makinde a restful annual leave and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining a good working relationship with the executive arm of government.
He also expressed confidence in the deputy governor’s ability to provide effective leadership, noting that Oyo State’s stable governance structure would ensure that government policies and programmes continue without interruption.
Other lawmakers also praised Governor Makinde for complying with constitutional provisions by formally informing the House before proceeding on leave. They described the move as another demonstration of his respect for democratic principles, constitutional governance and the rule of law.
At the end of the plenary, the House directed that its approval of the governor’s leave request be formally communicated to the executive arm of government for the necessary action.
