The Rise of the Asiwaju Cap: A Symbol of Political Identity in Nigeria
Overtime, Nigerian politicians have made their marks in various areas. They have shown that it is not just about delivering on promises made during campaigns, but that style also matters. Sometimes, the actor may not even be aware of the influence his style carries until it is adopted by supporters and other people who may be seeking one form of favour or the other. In recent times, the cap worn by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to have developed a life of its own, traveling across cultures and states alike. Aside from politicians, some ordinary citizens are also seen adorning the cap.
Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, generated controversy when he issued a directive to members of his cabinet to start adorning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cap at every meeting with him. This move sparked widespread debate and criticism, with many calling it sycophantic. However, the governor defended his decision, stating that it was a way for his cabinet members to show support for the president.
The Asiwaju Cap: A Cultural and Political Statement
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has since his days as governor of Lagos State come to be identified with a particular kind of design on his cap which at first glance seems like the figure ‘8’ but at a close range appears like a broken chain. It has become part of his identity that anywhere the cap with the design is seen, it immediately evokes the image of the president.
The Asiwaju cap, according to those in the trade, is actually the traditional Yoruba cap which at a time was made popular by the Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-cultural organisation. Tinubu, however, added a touch to it by designing it with a particular logo on both sides. The design is unique as people do not recall seeing anyone displaying it before Tinubu, and when he advanced in politics, his supporters began to imitate him, making the design popular.
Voluntary Adoption or Directive?
Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mogaji Seye Oladejo, stated that the adornment of President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap is voluntary and at no time did the president issue a directive that his supporters must adorn the cap. He explained that those who don’t wear it are not seen as less loyal because according to him, loyalty goes beyond just wearing a cap.
It is said that though the president has not openly asked anyone to show solidarity by wearing the cap, some say the fact that he has not spoken against it shows that he doesn’t mind. An admirer who does not want to be named said, “Ordinarily, most political leaders would be happy seeing their styles being copied so it is possible the president is happy about it.”
The Symbolism Behind the Cap
The origin of the design is said to date back to when Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State. It is of Yoruba origin. Oladejo explained that every major tribe in Nigeria has their kind of cap. The Yoruba are known for Asiwaju’s kind of cap, nice designs, vintage caps. The Igbos have their red cap, the Hausa also have their own kind of cap. The Tiv have their own cap and the Ibos have their own. Those from the South-South are known for their caps as well.
A close associate explained that Tinubu started using the design as a way of sending a message that whether the opposition likes it or not, he was going to spend two terms back then as governor of Lagos State. He said, “When you look at the symbol itself, it’s figure 8 but the 8 is not standing straight. It’s standing sideways but it symbolises figure 8. It can also be termed to be an uncommon chain of development or forward-looking progressive politics or an aspiration that cannot be broken no matter the intrigues or conspiracies.”
Politicians Across the Country Embrace the Cap
Our correspondents observed that politicians from other parts of the country outside the South West are also wearing the cap or wearing other caps with the insignia to show their support for the president. In the North, the former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is particularly known to carry the design on his cap most of the time even when the cap is different from that of the Yoruba. The pattern is weaved on it. Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, is also known to be fond of wearing caps with the design.
Cap Makers Take Advantage
Weekend Trust reports that some stylists in Lagos State have taken advantage of the popularity of the Tinubu signature cap to expand their frontiers as more people patronize them. A fashion designer in Ikeja, Ridwan Abdullahi, explained that the local tailors use embroidery designs to make the cap. He said he gets orders from time to time from APC members and loyalists of Asiwaju, who come as individuals or in groups requesting them to make the caps.
Analyst Speaks on the Trend
A political analyst, Dr. Kabiru Sufi, has described the rising trend of Nigerian politicians embracing the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signature cap symbol—often referred to as the Tinubu Curve—as more of a political identity movement. In an interview with Weekend Trust, Dr. Sufi said the ‘cap symbol,’ now widely used by Tinubu’s loyalists and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has evolved into a mark of allegiance to the president rather than a tool for political mobilisation.
Dr. Sufi noted that after Tinubu’s inauguration as president, Ganduje’s appointment as APC National Chairman further amplified the trend, especially among party loyalists seeking to associate themselves with the president. However, the analyst said while the trend may serve as a symbol of solidarity and political branding, it has no tangible effect on Nigeria’s political direction or governance outcomes.
