The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s annual leave request spanning August 10 to September 11, 2026, paving the way for Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal to serve as Acting Governor throughout the period.
Oyo State is getting a temporary change of guard — and the legislature has signed off on it without hesitation.
The Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to proceed on his annual leave, clearing the constitutional path for Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal to assume the role of Acting Governor for the duration of the governor’s absence.
The leave takes effect from August 10, 2026, and runs through September 11, 2026, with Makinde expected to officially resume office on September 14, 2026 — a period of just over 32 days.
As reported by Daily Post, the approval followed the consideration of a formal letter from the governor during plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Muhammed Fadeyi in the absence of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin. The notification is constitutionally required whenever a governor intends to be absent from office.
Fadeyi read the governor’s letter to members before the House granted the request, affirming confidence in the continuity of governance under the deputy governor. Lawmakers expressed no reservations about the transition, citing the state’s stable governance structure.
Speaking after the approval, the Deputy Speaker wished Makinde a peaceful leave while reaffirming the legislature’s commitment to maintaining its cordial working relationship with the executive arm. He also expressed confidence in Lawal’s capacity for effective leadership during the period, describing his past performances in acting roles as evidence of the state’s governance stability.
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal becomes Acting Governor for the full duration of Makinde’s leave, overseeing day-to-day administration and ensuring uninterrupted implementation of government programmes and policies across Oyo State.
Governor Makinde is expected back at the helm on September 14, 2026.
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