The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to proceed on his annual leave, with Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal set to oversee the affairs of the state as Acting Governor during the period.
The leave will commence on August 10 and end on September 11, 2026, while Governor Makinde is expected to resume official duties on September 14, 2026.
The approval was granted during Thursday’s plenary after the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the sitting in the absence of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, read the governor’s letter before lawmakers.
The request was considered in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a governor to formally notify the state legislature before proceeding on leave or being absent from office.
In the letter, Governor Makinde informed the Assembly of his intention to embark on his annual leave and sought legislative approval for the Deputy Governor to act on his behalf throughout his absence.
The lawmakers unanimously approved the request and expressed confidence in the ability of Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal to provide effective leadership and ensure continuity in governance.
With the approval, Lawal will assume the role of Acting Governor, overseeing the day-to-day administration of the state until Governor Makinde returns to office.
Speaking after the approval, Deputy Speaker Fadeyi wished Governor Makinde a peaceful and refreshing leave. He also reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with the executive arm in the interest of the people of Oyo State.
Fadeyi further expressed confidence in the deputy governor’s capacity to sustain the administration’s policies and programmes, describing Oyo State’s governance structure as stable and capable of ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
Several lawmakers also commended Governor Makinde for complying with constitutional provisions by formally notifying the Assembly of his planned leave, describing the move as a demonstration of respect for the rule of law and democratic governance.
The House subsequently directed that its resolution approving the governor’s annual leave be communicated to the executive arm for necessary action.
