The Edo State government has dismissed public criticism over Governor Monday Okpebholo’s instruction that members of the State Executive Council should wear President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap, calling the backlash unnecessary and misplaced.
Governor Okpebholo, during a recent council meeting in Benin City, humorously urged his commissioners and aides to adopt Tinubu’s trademark cap as a symbol of solidarity with the All Progressives Congress and its ideals. He jokingly warned that any commissioner who appeared at meetings without the cap or a suit would be sent back.
The lighthearted comment, however, triggered mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians accusing the governor of trivialising governance.
Reacting to the uproar, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said critics were focusing on inconsequential matters instead of substantive governance issues. He explained that since all members of the State Executive Council were appointed under the APC, they were expected to show loyalty to both the party and its national leader, President Tinubu.
Afegbua argued that there was nothing wrong in the governor asking his team to identify with the party’s leader, noting that such symbols strengthen unity and promote camaraderie among party members. He described the controversy as misplaced, saying the governor’s comment was a light joke meant to ease tension during the meeting.
He added that those outside the administration should not worry about a harmless internal affair. “Are we the ones complaining?” he asked rhetorically. “Wearing the Asiwaju cap doesn’t stop us from doing our jobs. In fact, it may even help tailors get more work.”
Afegbua reaffirmed the cabinet’s loyalty to both President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo and urged the public to focus on development issues rather than symbolic matters. He maintained that gestures of party identity should not be mistaken for poor governance, insisting that the administration remains committed to delivering results for Edo people.
