Ibadan, Nigeria – August 26, 2025 – Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has announced his intention to embark on a one-month vacation starting Friday, August 29, 2025, during which his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, will assume the role of Acting Governor. The announcement was formalized through a notification letter sent to the Oyo State House of Assembly and read during plenary on Tuesday by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin. This move, in compliance with constitutional requirements, underscores Makinde’s commitment to transparent governance and ensures continuity in the administration of Oyo State during his absence. As the state prepares for this transition, the spotlight is on Barrister Lawal, who will oversee the day-to-day affairs of one of Nigeria’s most dynamic states until Makinde’s return on September 29, 2025.
Constitutional Compliance and Transparency
Governor Makinde’s decision to notify the Oyo State House of Assembly of his vacation aligns with Section 190(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which mandates that a state governor formally inform the legislature before taking leave. The notification letter, read during Tuesday’s plenary session, detailed the governor’s plans and designated Barrister Bayo Lawal as Acting Governor for the duration of his absence. This adherence to constitutional protocol reflects Makinde’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a seamless transfer of responsibilities.
In the letter, Makinde wrote, “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 clarity of the communication underscores the governor’s intent to maintain transparency and avoid any ambiguity regarding the leadership of the state during his absence. By formally notifying the legislature, Makinde has set a precedent for accountability, ensuring that the people of Oyo State are fully informed of the temporary leadership transition.
The Oyo State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Ogundoyin, promptly acknowledged receipt of the governor’s letter. In a statement delivered during the plenary, the House expressed its commitment to supporting the acting administration to ensure uninterrupted governance. “The Assembly assures the people of Oyo State that we will work closely with the Acting Governor to maintain the smooth running of the state,” Ogundoyin said, emphasizing the legislature’s role in upholding stability during the transition period.
The Role of the Acting Governor
Barrister Bayo Lawal, a seasoned legal practitioner and trusted ally of Governor Makinde, is set to assume full responsibilities as Acting Governor from August 29, 2025. As deputy governor, Lawal has been a key figure in Makinde’s administration, contributing to policy formulation and implementation across various sectors. His appointment as Acting Governor reflects the confidence that Makinde has in his deputy’s ability to steer the state effectively during his absence.
Lawal’s role as Acting Governor will involve overseeing the day-to-day operations of the state, including coordinating government activities, implementing ongoing projects, and addressing any emerging challenges. With Oyo State being a hub of economic, cultural, and political activity in Nigeria’s South-West region, Lawal’s leadership will be critical in maintaining the momentum of Makinde’s administration, which has prioritized infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The transition to an acting administration is not uncommon in Nigeria, where governors frequently take leave for personal or official reasons. However, the significance of this transition lies in the context of Oyo State’s ongoing development agenda. Under Makinde’s leadership since 2019, Oyo State has witnessed significant strides in areas such as road infrastructure, agricultural development, and social welfare programs. The acting governor will be tasked with ensuring that these initiatives continue without disruption, while also addressing any immediate governance needs that may arise.
Makinde’s Leadership and Legacy
Governor Seyi Makinde, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has earned a reputation as a progressive leader committed to transformative governance. Since assuming office, he has focused on policies aimed at improving the quality of life for Oyo State residents. His administration’s flagship programs, such as the free education policy, the construction of major road networks, and the revitalization of agribusiness, have positioned Oyo as a model for other states in Nigeria.
Makinde’s decision to take a one-month vacation comes at a time when his administration is consolidating its achievements while preparing for future challenges. The vacation, described by sources close to the governor as an opportunity for rest and reflection, will allow Makinde to recharge ahead of the final years of his second term. Political analysts view the move as strategic, providing the governor with time to strategize for the 2027 general elections, during which the PDP will seek to maintain its hold on Oyo State.
The governor’s choice to delegate authority to Barrister Lawal also reflects his confidence in the strength of his administration. By entrusting the state’s leadership to his deputy, Makinde is signaling that his government is built on a foundation of trust, collaboration, and institutional stability. This approach stands in contrast to instances in other states where leadership transitions have been marred by political tensions or power struggles.
Legislative Support and Continuity
The Oyo State House of Assembly’s swift acknowledgment of Makinde’s notification underscores its role as a partner in governance. The legislature, led by Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has been a key ally in advancing Makinde’s development agenda. Over the past six years, the Assembly has passed several landmark bills, including those related to education reform, infrastructure development, and local government autonomy, aligning with the governor’s vision for a prosperous Oyo State.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker Ogundoyin reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring continuity in governance. “The House will remain vigilant and collaborative to support the Acting Governor in delivering on the mandate of the people,” he said. The legislature’s assurance of support is particularly significant given the timing of the transition, as the state navigates critical projects and prepares for the resumption of plenary sessions on September 16, 2025.
The Assembly’s legislative calendar, which includes a brief recess, aligns with the governor’s vacation period. This scheduling ensures that the legislature remains active and responsive to the needs of the state during Lawal’s tenure as Acting Governor. The reconvening of plenary on September 16 will provide an opportunity for lawmakers to review the progress of the acting administration and address any emerging issues.
Implications for Oyo State
The temporary transfer of power to Barrister Lawal comes at a pivotal moment for Oyo State. The state, known as the “Pace Setter,” has made significant progress under Makinde’s leadership, but it also faces challenges such as youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits in rural areas, and the need for sustained economic growth. Lawal’s role as Acting Governor will be closely watched, as his performance during this period could shape public perceptions of the administration’s resilience and cohesion.
One of the key areas of focus for the acting administration will be the continuation of ongoing infrastructure projects. Makinde’s government has invested heavily in road construction, including the Ibadan Circular Road and the Moniya-Iseyin Road, which have improved connectivity and economic activity. Lawal will need to ensure that these projects remain on track, while also addressing any logistical or financial challenges that may arise.
Education, another cornerstone of Makinde’s agenda, will also require attention. The governor’s free education policy, which includes the provision of free textbooks and the abolition of school fees in public schools, has been widely praised for increasing access to education. Lawal will need to oversee the implementation of this policy, ensuring that schools remain adequately funded and that teachers are supported during the governor’s absence.
Healthcare, particularly the state’s response to public health challenges, will also be a priority. Oyo State has made strides in improving healthcare delivery through initiatives such as the renovation of primary healthcare centers and the provision of medical equipment. The acting governor will need to maintain these efforts, particularly in light of potential health emergencies or the need to sustain immunization and maternal health programs.
Political Context and Future Outlook
The announcement of Makinde’s vacation comes amid a broader political context in Nigeria, where the 2027 general elections are already shaping political strategies. As a leading figure in the PDP, Makinde is seen as a potential kingmaker in the South-West region, and his administration’s performance will influence the party’s prospects in the region. By ensuring a smooth transition to Lawal, Makinde is reinforcing the stability of his government and demonstrating confidence in his team.
Barrister Lawal’s tenure as Acting Governor will also serve as a test of his leadership capabilities. As a key member of Makinde’s administration, Lawal has been involved in critical decision-making processes, but his role as Acting Governor will place him in the spotlight. A successful tenure could bolster his political profile and strengthen the PDP’s position in Oyo State.
For the people of Oyo State, the transition offers an opportunity to assess the resilience of Makinde’s governance model. The governor’s emphasis on people-centered policies, transparency, and accountability has resonated with residents, who expect the acting administration to maintain these standards. Public expectations will be high, particularly in areas such as security, where Oyo State has made progress in addressing communal tensions and urban crime through initiatives like the Amotekun security network.
A Commitment to Governance
Governor Makinde’s decision to take a one-month vacation reflects a broader commitment to governance that prioritizes institutional stability and continuity. By adhering to constitutional requirements and entrusting leadership to his deputy, Makinde is reinforcing the importance of due process and collaborative leadership. The Oyo State House of Assembly’s support further underscores the state’s commitment to democratic principles and effective governance.
As Barrister Bayo Lawal prepares to assume the role of Acting Governor, the people of Oyo State can expect a continuation of the policies and programs that have defined Makinde’s administration. From infrastructure development to education and healthcare, Lawal’s leadership will be critical in maintaining the state’s trajectory of progress. The legislature’s assurance of support, combined with the governor’s clear communication, sets the stage for a seamless transition.
As Makinde prepares for his vacation, the focus remains on Oyo State’s future. The one-month period will serve as a testament to the strength of the state’s institutions and the resilience of its leadership. With Lawal at the helm and the Assembly’s backing, Oyo State is poised to navigate this transition with confidence, ensuring that the “Pace Setter” continues to live up to its name.
