‎Edo Govt Hails Okpebholo’s Tinubu Cap Directive, Foresees Employment Boost For Tailors

In a recent turn of events, the Edo State government has firmly dismissed backlash regarding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to the State Executive Council (SEC) to wear caps associated with President Bola Tinubu. Officials characterized the controversy surrounding this directive as “unnecessary” and “misplaced.”

‎Governor Okpebholo encouraged his commissioners and aides to adopt President Tinubu’s iconic cap style during last week’s Executive Council meeting in Benin, emphasizing that this gesture signifies solidarity with the ideals of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “I will not forgive any commissioner who comes to our meetings without this cap,” he stated, asserting that a lack of proper attire—including suits and the signature cap—would result in such individuals being asked to leave the meeting.

‎While intended to be a light-hearted initiative, Okpebholo’s comments triggered a wave of reactions across social media platforms, as many critics accused the governor of trivializing significant governance issues.

‎Prince Kassim Afegbua, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, addressed these criticisms in an interview with *Daily Independent*, expressing surprise that some Nigerians fixate on trivialities rather than focusing on pressing governance and development matters. He stressed that as members of the SEC, loyalty to both the APC and its leader, President Tinubu, is expected.

‎“Before becoming a commissioner in this state under the APC government, one must be a member of the party and show respect for the leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu. The question is, why are people concentrating on issues that don’t involve them?” Afegbua asked.

‎He further articulated that the party’s traditions and symbols aim to foster unity among members, pointing out that the governor’s suggestion was meant to enhance camaraderie, not incite controversy. “If reminding us to wear the insignia of our party leader causes concern, we must ask: Does wearing Asiwaju’s cap impede our performance? The answer is no,” he maintained.

‎Describing the public outcry as an example of misplaced priorities, Afegbua clarified that the governor’s lighthearted comment was intended to enliven the meeting atmosphere. “It was a small remark to add some levity; however, some have escalated it into a significant issue. Why should we suffer because of someone else’s discontent? Are you a commissioner raising grievances on our behalf?” he questioned.

‎He reaffirmed the cabinet’s loyalty to both President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo, labeling some criticisms as “laughable” and urging the public to allocate their focus towards more substantial issues that will benefit the state. “If we look at it from another angle, wearing Asiwaju’s cap will actually create more work for tailors, thereby contributing to the economy,” he remarked.

‎Afegbua called on critics to allow the government to concentrate on effective governance for the citizens of Edo State, reiterating that symbolic gestures of party loyalty should not be misconstrued as misconceived priorities.