- Safiu Kehinde
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has mandated the wearing of President Bola Tinubu’s cap with the iconic broken chain insignia by all the newly appointed commissioners to every Executive Council meeting.
Okepbholo made the declaration during the swearing-in of the 20 new commissioners and members of various boards in Benin, the state capital on Tuesday.
As captured in a video shared on X, the governor warned that anyone who fails to wear the ‘Asiwaju cap’ will be barred from attending the Executive Council meetings.
“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 said.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his loyalty Tinubu, stressing that the event would not have been possible without the president’s support.
He recalled that in previous elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) struggled in Edo due to lack of backing from the presidency but said that had changed under Tinubu’s leadership.
“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,” he said.
The governor also warned the new appointees against corrupt practices and misconduct, insisting his administration would not tolerate any behavior that could damage its reputation.
Okpebholo noted that the appointments were based on merit and reminded the appointees that their positions were a call to serve, not a political reward.
“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 added.