Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has read a riot act to commisisoners in the state, threatening to send any of them that failed to wear ‘Asiwaju cap’ – also known as ‘President Bola Tinubu cap’ – out of the weekly Executive Council meeting.
This statement was made as Okpebholo swore in 19 commissioners and several chairmen and members of boards and commissions on Tuesday.
Okpebholo said he would not forgive any of the commissioners that failed to wear the cap.
The governor read the riot act on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the swearing in of 20 new commissioners and members of various boards in the state.
Okpebholo, who said the swearing in of the appointees wouldn’t have been possible without the support of President Bola Tinubu, noted that several elections have been conducted in the state in the past and the All Progressives Congress, APC, lost because of lack of support from the sitting president.
“First of all, before we begin I want to say that this couldn’t have happened if we did not have a responsible President. We have done so many elections here. The major problem we had was the President is not with us.
“So, let me tell you, before we begin, you see this cap I am wearing? I will not forgive any commissioner that is not wearing it.
“In EXCO if you are not wearing a suit, and you are wearing a traditional dress, and you are coming to the EXCO without this Asiwaju cap, you are going back,” he warned.
The governor further warned that he would not tolerate corruption and actions that could undermine the integrity of his administration.
Okpebholo, who said the appointments were made on merit, reminded the appointees that their roles are not for rewards but a call to serve the people of the state.
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The governor said, “Your nominations did not come as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve the people of Edo State.
“This administration came into office on the promise of practical governance to touch the lives of our people directly.”
He reiterated that his administration’s focus remains on service delivery and tangible results, not propaganda, urging the commissioners and board members to perform their duties diligently and with dedication.
Okpebholo added, “Our focus is not on propaganda, but on service delivery and tangible results that can be felt in every community across our state.”
The governor charged the appointees to see their new positions as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development and warned them against corrupt tendencies.
“While I congratulate you on your deserved elevation, I must warn that your appointment is not for personal enrichment.
“You are not here for money-making, but for service, for sacrifice, and for a better life for Edo people. This administration has zero tolerance for corruption. You are expected to display discipline, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. I expect loyalty to the people of Edo State. History will judge us not by our intentions, but by our actions,” he said.
Okpebholo reaffirmed that his goal is to rebuild and reposition Edo State for sustainable growth and to demonstrate that government can indeed work for the people.
He stated, “Today marks another important step in our journey to rebuild and reposition Edo State for development. Together, let us prove that the government can work for the people. Let us write a new chapter where service comes before self and show that a new Edo has truly risen.”
“Our focus is not on propaganda, but on service delivery and tangible results that can be felt in every community across our state,” he added.
Governor Monday Okpebholo also gave a stern warning against corruption and actions that could undermine the integrity of his administration.
He also charged the appointees to see their new positions as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and not not for personal enrichment. The governor emphasised that all appointments were made strictly on merit, reminding the new appointees that their roles are not rewards but a call to serve the people of the state.
Speaking for the appointees, Festus Ebea commended the governor for the confidence reposed in them
Ebea, who assured the governor of the appointees’ commitment to his administration’s vision, also pledged support for his developmental agenda and vision for Edo State.
The swearing-in took place at the Government House, Benin City, and was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikilor, the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gani Audu, serving Commissioners, Special Advisers, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Permanent Secretaries, and other top government officials.