BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has warned newly appointed commissioners that they will not be allowed to attend Executive Council (Exco) meetings unless they wear the “Asiwaju cap,” a trademark cap associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Governor Okpebholo made this announcement on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of 20 new commissioners and members of various government boards. The governor used the occasion to express his strong loyalty to President Tinubu, saying the president’s support made the new appointments possible.
“Before we begin, let me say this could not have happened without a responsible President. We’ve had many elections here, and our major problem was that the President wasn’t with us,” Okpebholo said.
He then pointed to his cap and issued a strict directive to his commissioners.
“You see this cap I’m wearing? I will not forgive any commissioner who isn’t wearing it. If you come to the Exco in traditional attire without this Asiwaju cap, you’re going back,” he warned.
The governor said the cap symbolizes unity and loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) under Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the party had previously faced challenges in Edo due to weak support from the presidency.
Okpebholo also used the event to caution his appointees against corruption and misconduct, stressing that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of damaging its reputation.
He emphasized that the new appointments were based on merit, not political favoritism.
“Your nominations are not rewards or patronage but a call to serve the people of Edo State. Our administration is committed to practical governance that directly impacts lives. We are focused on service delivery and tangible results, not propaganda,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo’s directive has sparked public debate across the state, with some citizens viewing it as a sign of political loyalty, while others see it as unnecessary and symbolic of excessive partisanship.
The “Asiwaju cap,” distinguished by its unique pattern and worn famously by President Tinubu, has long been seen as a symbol of his political identity and influence within the APC.
