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BREAKING NEWS: Governor Makinde Hands Over Power to Deputy, Bayo Lawal, for One Month
A HISTORIC STEP AS SEYI MAKINDE GOES ON LEAVE, HIS DEPUTY TAKES FULL CHARGE IN OYO STATE
Ibadan, Oyo State – Tuesday, August 26, 2025 (DocuNews Central) —
Oyo State has entered a new chapter today as Governor Seyi Makinde handed over the powers of his office to his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, ahead of his planned one-month leave. The governor’s action, though constitutional, has stirred wide attention across the state and beyond.
Governor Makinde formally wrote to the Oyo State House of Assembly, announcing that he would begin his leave on Friday, August 29, 2025, and would return to office on Monday, September 29, 2025. The governor’s letter was read during plenary by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, confirming that Makinde has stepped aside and his deputy is now the Acting Governor.
A Smooth Transition of Power
The governor’s decision follows Section 190(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which states that a governor must officially notify the legislature whenever he intends to be away and must also transfer powers to his deputy.
By this action, Barrister Bayo Lawal, who has been deputy governor since 2022, will now sit in the hot seat as the number one citizen of Oyo State, even if for just one month. This is not the first time he will be acting in such capacity, but many political watchers believe this one-month full charge gives him a larger room to stamp his mark.
Human Reactions Across Oyo
In Ibadan, traders, transporters, and civil servants reacted to the handover with mixed feelings.
At Bodija Market, a trader, Mrs. Aderonke Adebayo, told DocuNews Central that she was happy the governor followed due process.
“We thank God for his life. It is good that he gave power to his deputy. It shows respect for law. My prayer is that Bayo Lawal will also do well during this one month.”
A civil servant at the state secretariat, who preferred not to be named, said workers would be watching closely:
“We know His Excellency, Governor Makinde, has been doing well for the state. But we will watch how the deputy governor will handle workers’ welfare in his absence. It is a test for him.”
For taxi drivers at Iwo Road, it was more about continuity:
“It does not matter who is there. What we want is good road, fuel price relief, and less police harassment,” one driver said while waving his hand in frustration.
Who is Bayo Lawal?
Barrister Bayo Lawal is a respected lawyer and politician from Kishi in Oke-Ogun. He once served as chairman of the Oyo State Housing Corporation. In 2022, he became deputy governor after the former deputy resigned. Those who know him describe him as calm, loyal, and law-abiding.
Now, as Acting Governor, Lawal is expected to take key decisions for the people of Oyo State. Sources inside Government House revealed to DocuNews Central that some files requiring approval on roads, schools, and healthcare projects have already been handed over to him.
A Governor on Rest
While the exact location of Makinde’s leave is not disclosed, government insiders say it is purely an annual rest. “The governor has worked hard since the start of his second term. He needs time with his family and also to recharge,” one aide told our correspondent.
Political analysts, however, believe the leave also sends a strong message — that power can be shared lawfully and peacefully in Nigeria, without crisis.
Lawmakers Speak
Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin praised the governor for upholding the Constitution. He said the House was fully briefed and would support the Acting Governor to carry out his duties smoothly.
Other lawmakers described it as a lesson in leadership. “If all governors in Nigeria respect the law like this, our democracy will be stronger,” one lawmaker said.
Looking Ahead
For the next one month, all eyes will be on Deputy Governor, now Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal. How will he manage pressing issues such as workers’ salaries, security in troubled parts of the state, and the demands of local government councils?
In Saki, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, and other towns, residents say they want to see quick action on rural roads, water supply, and healthcare. Farmers are also hoping that the new acting governor will release more support for agriculture, as the harvest season draws near.
Political commentators warn that even though it is just one month, this period could shape Lawal’s political image for years to come. “He must show that he can handle power with wisdom and fairness,” said a university lecturer in Ibadan.
Conclusion
As Governor Seyi Makinde steps aside to rest, Oyo State is now under the full control of Acting Governor Bayo Lawal. The people are watching, the Assembly is watching, and history is also watching.
For one month, from August 29 to September 29, the deputy will hold the reins. What he does with this time may well define his place in Oyo’s political story.
📰 DocuNews Central
