The swearing ceremonyny held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, was sequent to his confirmation by the Assembly after his nomination by Governor Seyi Makinde, as a replacement for Olaniyan.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Munta Abimbola, administered the Oaths of Allegiance and Office to the new deputy governor. Makinde, in his brief remarks, exhorted his deputy to put the interest of the state first and see his new assignment as a position of trust. According to him, the new position is an evidence that Lawal excelled in his previous position.

“But, for us, as the saying goes that the reward of hard work is more work, that’s why we’re giving you more work.

“The position of deputy governor is a position of trust, our masters are the good people of Oyo State.

“So, our responsibility is to continue to serve them to the best of our abilities to deliver good governance to them,” he said.

Makinde directed Lawal to continue to supervise the State Housing Corporation and Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OSROMA).

He added that the state Ministry of Justice should as well be under his supervision. While talking to newsmen, the new deputy governor pledged to build on his previous performance by supporting Makinde in providing good governance to the people of Oyo State.

The swearing ceremony was attended by the Speaker, Mr. Debo Ogundoyin, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi; Secretary to the State Government, Olubamiwo Adeosun; Commissioners, and some members of the state House of Assembly, among others. Lawal, 58, hails from Kisi in the Irepo Local Government Area of the state.