Edo Governor Okpebholo mandates loyalty to Tinubu

Enforces ‘Asiwaju Cap’ Rule at EXCO Meetings

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has issued a firm directive to members of his cabinet: demonstrate visible allegiance to President Bola Tinubu or face immediate consequences.

At the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed officials held Tuesday in Benin City, the governor announced that all commissioners must wear the symbolic ‘Asiwaju cap’—a sign of loyalty to President Tinubu—when attending Executive Council (EXCO) meetings. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in expulsion from the session.

“Let me be clear,” Okpebholo declared, “this ceremony wouldn’t be happening without the support of a responsive President. In previous elections, we lost because we didn’t have presidential backing. That’s no longer the case.”

Holding up his own cap, he continued, “This cap signifies loyalty to Asiwaju. Any commissioner who attends EXCO without it, especially in traditional attire, will be turned back. I will not tolerate disloyalty.”

The governor also used the occasion to warn against corruption, urging the new appointees to uphold the integrity of his administration. He stressed that appointments were made strictly on merit, not as political rewards, and called on officials to prioritize service to the people of Edo State.

“This is not about settling scores or compensating loyalty,” he said. “It’s about delivering results for our people.”