Makinde Begins One-Month Leave, Hands Over Power to Deputy

The Oyo State House of Assembly has officially received and acknowledged a formal communication from Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde indicating his decision to proceed on a one-month leave from Friday, August 29, 2025, through Monday, September 29, 2025.

This important letter was read during the Assembly’s plenary session on Tuesday, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin. It was presented in adherence to Section 190(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which requires a governor to notify the legislature in writing before taking leave.

In his letter, Governor Makinde formally requested approval for the leave and concurrently authorized the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, to assume the role of Acting Governor throughout the governor’s absence. The letter explicitly states, “During the period indicated above, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, shall serve as Acting Governor. I shall resume duty upon my return from vacation on Monday, 29th September 2025.”

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, on behalf of the House, expressed readiness and assured full support to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted governance during the governor’s leave. He further emphasized the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to upholding the constitutional order and guaranteeing the stability of government operations in the state.

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With this formal handover, Barrister Bayo Lawal is poised to perform all gubernatorial duties from August 29 until the governor’s scheduled return at the end of September. The Oyo State House of Assembly will reconvene for plenary sessions on September 16, 2025.

Barrister Bayo Lawal, an experienced lawyer and politician, has served as Oyo State’s Deputy Governor since July 2022, following the impeachment of his predecessor. His tenure includes prior roles such as the state’s Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General, reflecting a solid background in governance and law.

This orderly transfer of power underscores the importance of constitutional protocols in state leadership and guarantees continuity of governance to the people of Oyo State during Governor Makinde’s month-long absence .