The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to proceed on his annual leave, clearing the way for Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal to assume office as Acting Governor during the period.
Makinde’s leave is scheduled to commence on August 10, 2026, and end on September 11, 2026. He is expected to resume official duties on September 14.
The approval followed the consideration of a letter from the governor during plenary, in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which requires a governor to notify the state legislature before proceeding on leave or being absent from office.
The correspondence was read by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the sitting in the absence of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.
In the letter, Makinde informed lawmakers of his intention to embark on his annual leave and sought the Assembly’s approval to enable the deputy governor to discharge the responsibilities of his office throughout his absence.
Following deliberations, the lawmakers unanimously approved the request, expressing confidence in the state’s governance structure and Lawal’s ability to ensure continuity in government activities.
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With the approval, the deputy governor will serve as Acting Governor for the duration of Makinde’s leave, overseeing the day-to-day administration of the state until the governor returns to office.
Speaking after the approval, Fadeyi wished Makinde a peaceful and refreshing leave while reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining a cordial working relationship with the executive arm in the interest of the people of Oyo State.
He also expressed confidence in Lawal’s leadership capacity, noting that the deputy governor had previously demonstrated competence whenever called upon to act, adding that the state’s governance framework remained stable enough to guarantee continuity in policy implementation.
