GOVERNOR Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has formally notified the State House of Assembly of his plan to proceed on a one-month annual leave, during which his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, will act as governor.
News Point Nigeria reports that the notification was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the Assembly during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
Governor Makinde disclosed that the leave will span Thursday, August 29, 2025, to Monday, September 29, 2025, in line with Section 190(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which requires a governor to transmit a written notice to the legislature before proceeding on vacation.
In the letter, Makinde emphasized the constitutional handover arrangement to ensure the continuity of governance.
“I hereby transmit that 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, September 29, 2025,” the letter partly read.
Responding to the correspondence, Speaker Ogundoyin assured that the Assembly would provide its full support for a seamless transition of responsibilities and reiterated the legislature’s commitment to upholding constitutional order in the state.
With the handover now formalized, Barrister Bayo Lawal is expected to oversee the affairs of the state from August 29 until Makinde resumes duty.
The Oyo State House of Assembly also announced that it will reconvene for plenary on September 16, 2025, in the course of the governor’s absence.
The development reflects Nigeria’s growing adherence to constitutional processes, particularly in state-level governance, where governors increasingly comply with formal handover procedures during official leave.
