Makinde proceeds on annual leave, transfers power to deputy

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is to proceed on annual leave from August 10 to September 11.

The governor, who had earlier sent a letter to the Oyo State House of Assembly for approval, informed the House that he would be embarking on his annual leave and requested approval to enable his Deputy to act on his behalf throughout the period of his absence.

He is expected to officially resume office on September 14, 2026.

Consequently, the House has approved the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to proceed on his annual leave, paving the way for the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, to oversee the affairs of the state during the governor’s absence.

The approval followed the consideration of a formal correspondence from Governor Makinde during plenary, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a governor to notify the legislature whenever he intends to be away from office.

Muhammed Fadeyi, the Deputy Speaker of the House who presided over the plenary in the absence of the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin, on Thursday, read the governor’s letter before members.

The lawmakers unanimously granted the request while expressing confidence in the seamless continuity of governance in the state under the deputy governor.

To this end, the deputy governor becomes the Acting Governor overseeing governance for the entire period of the governor’s annual leave.

Following the approval, the House affirmed that Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal would oversee the day-to-day administration of the state, ensuring that government activities continue uninterrupted until Governor Makinde resumes duty.
Fadeyi, while speaking after the approval, wished the governor a peaceful and refreshing leave, saying that the legislature remained committed to sustaining cordial relations with the executive arm in the interest of the people of Oyo State.

He, however, expressed confidence in the capacity of the Deputy Governor to provide effective leadership during the period, as evident in the past, describing the state’s governance structure as stable and capable of guaranteeing continuity in policy implementation.

The Assembly subsequently directed that its resolution approving the governor’s annual leave be communicated to the executive arm for necessary action.