VIDEO – Edo Governor Okpebholo Orders Commissioners to Wear ‘Asiwaju Cap’ or Miss Executive Meetings
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern directive to all commissioners and government appointees, warning that any official who fails to wear the **‘Asiwaju cap’—a style popularized by President Bola Tinubu—**will be barred from attending the state’s Executive Council (EXCO) meetings.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the swearing-in ceremony of 20 new commissioners and members of various boards and agencies in Benin City. A video of the event has since gone viral on social media, sparking heated debates among Edo residents and Nigerians online.
Okpebholo, who attributed his administration’s success and stability to the support of President Tinubu, emphasized that loyalty to the president and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) must be demonstrated openly.
“Before we begin, let me say this could not have happened without a responsible president,” the governor said. “We have had many elections in this state where we failed because the president was not with us. But this time, we have his support.
So, I want to make it clear: any commissioner attending EXCO in traditional attire without this Asiwaju cap will be sent out immediately. I will not forgive anyone who fails to wear it.”
The governor’s declaration drew laughter and applause from some attendees but has since triggered mixed reactions online, with critics accusing him of promoting sycophancy and politicizing governance.
Focus on Service and Integrity
Despite the lighthearted but firm warning about the cap, Governor Okpebholo also used the event to stress the importance of integrity, discipline, and service delivery among his appointees.
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He reminded the new commissioners that their appointment was “not a reward or political patronage” but “a call to serve the people of Edo State.”
“This administration came into office with a promise of practical governance that will directly impact our people,” he said. “Our focus is not on propaganda but on service delivery and tangible results that can be felt in every community across our state.”
Okpebholo further cautioned that his government would not tolerate corruption or any conduct capable of undermining public trust, insisting that accountability and transparency remain his guiding principles.
Reactions and Pledges
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Festus Ebea, one of the commissioners sworn in, expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in them. Ebea pledged that the appointees would remain committed to the governor’s vision and align fully with his developmental agenda for the state.
“We assure you, Your Excellency, of our total loyalty and readiness to work toward the success of your administration,” Ebea stated.
Public Reactions
The governor’s remarks have generated significant discussion across social media platforms, particularly among political commentators and residents of Edo State.
While some supporters described the governor’s statement as a symbolic gesture of loyalty to the APC and its national leader, others criticized it as an unnecessary display of political servitude.
A user on social media quipped, “Is the Asiwaju cap now a compulsory uniform for governance?” while another added, “Edo people, behold your governor — this is what loyalty has turned into.”
Bottom Line
Governor Okpebholo’s “Asiwaju cap rule” may have been partly symbolic, but it reflects the growing influence of President Tinubu’s political brand across APC-led states. However, many observers argue that the governor’s energy would be better directed toward addressing issues such as infrastructure, education, and youth employment — priorities that remain top of mind for the Edo populace.