Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially notified the State House of Assembly of his decision to proceed on a one-month vacation beginning Friday, August 29, 2025.
In compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Makinde has formally transmitted a letter empowering his Deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, to serve as Acting Governor throughout the period of his absence.
The letter, read during Tuesday’s plenary by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin, confirmed that Governor Makinde will be away from August 29 to September 29, 2025.
“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, 29 September 2025,” the governor’s letter partly read.
Speaker Ogundoyin explained that the move aligns with Section 190(1) of the Constitution, which requires state governors to officially notify their assemblies before embarking on vacation or leaving office temporarily.
Continuity of Governance
By ceding authority to his deputy, Governor Makinde assured residents of Oyo State of an uninterrupted governance process during his absence.
Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, a senior legal practitioner and long-time ally of the governor, has acted in this capacity on previous occasions.
He is expected to oversee the administration of the state, including critical policy decisions and day-to-day governance, until Makinde resumes office.
Political observers note that such temporary handovers reflect good governance practice, ensuring stability and preventing any constitutional vacuum.
Political Undercurrents
The handover comes at a politically sensitive period. Governor Makinde recently addressed perceived disagreements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly with his political ally turned rival, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking at the South-West Zoning Consultative Summit of the PDP in Lagos on August 21, Makinde stated:
“Personally, when people go low or go into the gutters, I don’t go with them. We can disagree, but it shouldn’t be personal. Nigerians are watching, and what matters is what we deliver to them.”
Makinde emphasized that despite internal challenges, the PDP remains a strong political force ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Broader Context: Governors Taking Leave
Governor Makinde’s decision mirrors a recent development in Katsina State, where Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also proceeded on vacation, temporarily transferring authority to his deputy, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe.
Both cases highlight a growing culture of constitutional adherence by Nigerian governors in ensuring smooth transitions during official leave periods.
What This Means for Oyo State
Acting Governor: Barrister Bayo Lawal (August 29 – September 29, 2025)
Governor’s Return Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Governance Assurance: No disruption in state activities expected
Political Implication: Demonstrates constitutional compliance and internal stability within the Oyo State government
