Just In: Oyo Assembly Approves Governor Makinde’s Annual Leave, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal to Take Over State Affairs
The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to proceed on his annual leave, paving the way for Deputy Governor Barrister Adebayo Lawal to oversee the affairs of the state during the governor’s absence. The approval followed the consideration of a formal letter transmitted by Governor Makinde to the lawmakers in line with constitutional provisions governing temporary transfer of executive responsibilities.
According to the governor’s correspondence, the annual leave will commence on Monday, August 10, 2026, and end on Friday, September 11, 2026, while Governor Makinde is expected to officially resume duties on Monday, September 14, 2026. During this period, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal will serve in an acting capacity, ensuring the continuity of governance and the smooth administration of government activities across Oyo State.
The request was presented during Thursday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the sitting in the absence of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin. After deliberations, members of the Assembly unanimously approved the governor’s request, expressing confidence in the deputy governor’s ability to effectively coordinate government affairs throughout the leave period.
The approval is in line with the provisions of Section 190 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), which requires a state governor to formally notify the State House of Assembly whenever he intends to proceed on vacation or will be absent from office. Such notification authorises the deputy governor to discharge the functions of the office as Acting Governor until the substantive governor resumes duty.
Lawmakers noted that the arrangement reflects constitutional order and institutional stability, assuring residents that government operations, ongoing projects, policy implementation, and service delivery would continue uninterrupted during Governor Makinde’s vacation. The House also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cordial relations with the executive arm in the overall interest of the people of Oyo State.
Governor Makinde’s decision to proceed on annual leave has generated reactions among residents and social media users, with many describing the move as a demonstration of responsible leadership that recognises the importance of rest while ensuring continuity in governance through established constitutional processes.
Among the reactions shared online were:
> “This is leadership. I think he needs to recharge.”
Another commenter wrote:
> “Person can not come and die, he need rest.”
The development underscores the orderly transfer of executive responsibilities within Oyo State and highlights the constitutional mechanisms designed to ensure that governance continues seamlessly whenever a governor is temporarily away from office.
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