Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed all newly sworn-in commissioners and special advisers to wear the Asiwaju cap to executive council meetings.
The distinctive cap bears the insignia of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose popular title “Asiwaju” means “forerunner” in Yoruba.
Okpebholo issued the directive on Tuesday during the inauguration of new commissioners and members of various state commissions at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
The governor warned that failure to comply with the dress rule would attract sanctions, saying those who appear in traditional attire without the Asiwaju cap would not be allowed into meetings.
“If you are wearing a traditional dress and you come to the exco without an Asiwaju cap, you’re going back,” Okpebholo declared, drawing applause from attendees.
He credited President Tinubu for his victory in the November 2024 governorship election, describing the president’s support as pivotal to his emergence.
However, the governor’s comments have triggered a wave of backlash on social media, where many users described the order as an “excessive display of political allegiance.”
Critics argued that the move blurs the line between governance and party loyalty, while supporters defended it as a symbolic gesture of gratitude to the president.
