The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor Seyi Makinde to proceed on his annual leave.

This paves the way for his deputy, Bayo Lawal, to oversee the affairs of the state during the governor’s absence.

The governor’s leave takes effect from August 10, 2026, and ends on September 11, 2026. He is expected to officially resume office on September 14, 2026.

The approval came after the consideration of a formal correspondence from the governor during plenary on Thursday, 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.

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

The state lawmakers granted the request and expressed confidence in the seamless continuity of governance in the state under the deputy governor.

The deputy governor becomes the Acting Governor overseeing governance for the entire period of the governor’s annual leave.

In the letter, Makinde had informed the Assembly that he would be embarking on his annual leave and requested the approval of the House to enable the Deputy Governor to act on his behalf throughout the period of his absence.

The House, following the approval, 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.

Speaking after the approval, the Deputy Speaker wished the governor a peaceful and refreshing leave, noting that the legislature remained committed to sustaining cordial relations with the executive arm in the interest of the people of Oyo State.

The Deputy Speaker also 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.