The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has warned that any commissioner who appears at the State Executive Council meeting without President Bola Tinubu’s famous “Asiwaju” cap will be suspended from the party.
His declaration reinforces Governor Monday Okpebholo’s earlier instruction that all commissioners must wear the cap whenever they attend Exco sessions.
The governor had made this clear during the inauguration of the final batch of commissioners in the state.
The “Asiwaju” cap, known for its broken-shackle design, has become symbolic of Tinubu’s leadership status and party loyalty.
According to the governor, the attire requirement is aimed at strengthening unity and alignment between Edo APC and the national leadership.
Tenebe insisted that disobeying the directive is not a minor issue but a show of disrespect to the governor and the president.
In his words, “If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you.”
He added that party members holding public appointments must demonstrate loyalty, especially with the APC pushing for “3.5 million votes” for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The Edo APC head also stressed that anyone complaining about the rule is either unserious or not a true APC member, noting that “No Asiwaju cap, no Exco.”
However, the move has triggered mixed reactions in the state. Supporters argue that it is simply a harmless display of solidarity. Critics, especially from the opposition, say governance should not revolve around fashion or political symbolism, describing the policy as excessive and unnecessary.
People have been reacting online, with some calling the directive a distraction from more pressing issues affecting Edo people.
