Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has stirred widespread reactions on social media after directing all commissioners in his cabinet to wear the “Asiwaju cap”,a signature headwear associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during official engagements and Executive Council meetings.
The governor gave the order on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the swearing-in of 20 new commissioners and members of state boards at the Government House in Benin City.
Wearing the trademark cap himself, Governor Okpebholo declared that any commissioner who failed to comply with the directive would be barred from attending meetings.
“Before we begin, I want to say that this couldn’t have happened if we did not have a responsible President. We have done many elections here before, and our major problem was that the President was not with us,” the governor said.
“So, let me tell you, before we begin, you see this cap I’m wearing? I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing it. In EXCO, if you are not in a suit and you choose to wear native attire, and you come without this Asiwaju cap, you are going back.”
The governor described the cap as a symbol of loyalty and appreciation to President Tinubu, whom he credited for the state’s political and administrative progress since his emergence.
Beyond the sartorial directive, Governor Okpebholo urged the newly appointed officials to uphold integrity, discipline, and accountability in the discharge of their duties, stressing that their appointments were based on merit rather than political patronage.
“Your nominations did not come as rewards or patronage but as a call to serve. My administration’s focus remains on service delivery and tangible results that can be felt across every community in Edo State,” he said.
The directive quickly went viral online, drawing mixed reactions. While some supporters praised the governor’s show of solidarity with the President, others criticised the move as sycophantic and politically unnecessary.
Observers say the gesture underscores the growing influence of President Tinubu’s political brand across state governments, as party loyalists seek to demonstrate alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
