Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed all members of his newly inaugurated cabinet to wear the “Asiwaju cap” — a traditional cap associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — as a visible symbol of loyalty to the Nigerian leader.
The governor issued the directive on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed commissioners and the inauguration of boards and commissions at Government House, Benin City.
Okpebholo, who attributed his political success to President Tinubu’s backing, said the gesture was a sign of gratitude and solidarity with the president’s administration.
“This could not have happened if we did not have a responsible president,” he said. “We have done many elections here, and the major problem we have had in the past was that the president was not with us. But today, we say thank you.”
He added emphatically, “I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing this cap. In our executive council meetings, if you are not wearing a suit and come without this Asiwaju cap, you will go back.”
Governor Okpebholo used the occasion to caution his commissioners against viewing their appointments as political compensation, insisting that the new team was chosen on merit and entrusted with a responsibility to serve the people of Edo State with transparency and dedication.
“You have been carefully screened and confirmed by the State House of Assembly purely on merit,” he said. “Your nominations did not come as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve the people of Edo State.”
Reaffirming his administration’s focus on practical governance and measurable impact, Okpebholo said, “Your appointment is not for personal enrichment. You are not here for money-making but for service, sacrifice, and a better life for the people of Edo State.”
He urged his new appointees to prioritize teamwork, discipline, and integrity, warning that his government would not tolerate corruption.
“I hereby call on you to brace up for action, as your success will be measured by your impact in bringing about better services and opportunities to our people,” he said. “May I remind you that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption and you’re expected to display discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.”
The governor also reminded his team that loyalty must ultimately be to the people of Edo State, not just political leaders. “Most importantly, I expect loyalty to the people of Edo State. You must always remember that history will judge us for our actions and not our intentions,” he added.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who commended the governor for assembling a diverse team and urged them to uphold the rule of law in governance.
