Following Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State’s threat to walk out any commissioner or appointee who failed to wear President Bola Tinubu’s cap to the State Executive Council meeting, appointees yesterday rushed to cap makers in compliance with the governor’s directive.

The increase in demand is seen as a welcome development among cap makers as they hailed Governor Okpeholo for the high demand for the Tinubu signature cap.

Recall that Governor Monday Okpeholo, on Tuesday, while swearing in additional commissioners and other appointees, praised President Tinubu’s support for Edo State.

Several sources within the government confirmed that nobody wanted to be embarrassed or made a public example by the governor.

While the governor has not formally explained the rationale behind his directive, political analysts suggest it may be an attempt to visually and symbolically align Edo State’s executive with the presidency.

The move has, however, sparked controversy among civil society groups and opposition voices in the state. Some have accused the governor of prioritizing political symbolism over governance, while others described the order as “autocratic and unnecessary.”

Osaro Imutiyan said, “The governor has every right to show solidarity with the president, but forcing fashion choices on appointees is not democratic governance.

It’s disturbing that executive meetings would have a dress code tied to political loyalty.”

Shops in Benin that specialize in traditional fashion are reporting a surge in sales and orders for custom-made Tinubu-style caps.

Tonia Obanor said,  “I even hire extra hands because the requests keep coming in. This cap matter can put food on our table.”