The Oyo State House of Assembly has approved Governor Seyi Makinde’s request to proceed on his annual leave, with Deputy Governor Adebayo Lawal expected to oversee the affairs of the state during his absence.
The approval was granted during Thursday’s plenary after lawmakers considered a letter from the governor notifying the Assembly of his planned leave in line with constitutional provisions.
According to the letter, Makinde will commence his annual leave on August 10, 2026, and return on September 11, while officially resuming duty on September 14, 2026.
The governor’s request was presented to the House by Deputy Speaker Muhammed Fadeyi, who presided over the sitting in the absence of Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.
After deliberations, members unanimously endorsed the request and expressed confidence in the deputy governor’s ability to provide steady leadership throughout the governor’s absence.
Makinde has consistently observed annual leave during his administration, a practice that has become a regular feature of his governance since assuming office in 2019. Each leave period has been accompanied by the formal transfer of executive responsibilities to the deputy governor in compliance with the 1999 Constitution.
Section 190 of the Constitution requires a state governor to formally notify the House of Assembly whenever he intends to proceed on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, allowing the deputy governor to act in his stead.
With the Assembly’s approval, Lawal will serve as acting governor throughout Makinde’s vacation, ensuring continuity in the administration of the state until the governor resumes official duties in September.
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